Monitoring Your Water
The Caernarvon Township Authority routinely monitors for compounds in your drinking water according to Federal and State laws. All drinking water, including bottled drinking water, may be reasonably expected to contain at least small amounts of some compounds. It’s important to remember that the presence of these compounds does not necessarily pose a health risk.
Every year the Authority receives a new set of monitoring requirements from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) based on our previous results. Individual and groups of contaminants may be required to be monitored weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually, etc. Currently, the Authority monitors over ninety regulated contaminants at thirteen entry points and throughout the distribution system. We constantly monitor the water supply for various compounds.
Your Service
Your water service line brings water into your home from our water main in the street.
Service lines typically enter the home in the basement or crawl space. This is typically near your water meter.
Once you’ve located your water service line, identify what it might be from the following types:
Lead Pipes: Typically, dull gray in color, lead pipes can pose serious health risks as lead can leach into drinking water. These pipes were commonly used in older homes.
Galvanized Pipes: These silver pipes, often seen with some rust or corrosion, were popular in homes built before the 1960s. Over time, they can corrode and lead to water flow problems or contamination.
PVC Pipe: Plastic pipes come in a variety of materials and colors, and they do not emit a metallic ringing sound when tapped. A plastic service line typically signifies a recent installation, which means it is free from lead solder.
Copper Pipes: Recognized for their bright copper color, these are the modern standard for plumbing. Copper is durable, corrosion-resistant, and does not pose the same health risks as lead.
How to Test Your Service Line Material
What You’ll Need:
- A metal object (like a coin or flat head screwdriver)
- A magnet
Scratch Test – Gently scratch the surface of the pipe with a screwdriver or coin.
Magnet Test – Hold a magnet against the pipe.
Tap Test – Gently tap the pipe with a metal object.
| Lead | Shiny & silver | Magnet will not stick | Dull noise |
| Galvanized | Dull gray | Magnet sticks | Metallic ringing noise |
| Copper | Copper in color, similar to a penny | Magnet will not stick | Metallic ringing noise |