The EPA's Revised Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) aims to reduce lead levels in public drinking water.  This revised rule mandates the replacement of lead service lines and requires more rigorous sampling and reporting.  Utilities like the Town of Bethlehem must also educate the public about lead exposure and implement corrosion control measures.

The safety of your drinking water is a top priority for us.  To get lead pipes out of our system, we have launched the Lead Service Line Inventory (LSLI) to identify and replace lead service lines.  The project is an ongoing effort to determine the pipe material for each service lateral that runs between to the public water main and customers’ homes and businesses.

Our interactive map, accessible here, provides a comprehensive overview of our Lead Service Line Inventory progress and statistics.  In many cases, the Town already has records detailing both the public and customer sides of the service lateral.  Customers can look up their service address, see what information has already been collected, and identify what still needs to be determined.  For each service, we have prepared a downloadable notification that shows the status of the inventory for your property, what information is missing, and action items you can take to further minimize your risk of exposure.

For instances where the customer side is marked as “Unknown,” we need your help.  Determining the pipe material that enters your basement only takes a few minutes.  To assist you, we’ve created a simple guide for a "Water Service Self-Check," which you can find here as well as a link on the left side of this page.

If you have concerns about lead in your drinking water, consider these tips:

• Run Your Tap: Let the water run for a few minutes before using it, especially after it has been sitting in the pipes.
• Use Cold Water: Always use cold water for drinking and cooking, as hot water is more likely to contain lead.
• Get Your Water Tested: Consider having your water tested by a certified laboratory for lead levels.

Together, we can ensure the safety and quality of our drinking water.