Lead & Copper

Lead is a naturally occurring metal that is found in our environment in air, soil, dust and water. It is harmful to our health if swallowed or ingested. The most common source of lead in homes is from exposure to chips and dust from lead-based paint which was commonly used in homes until banned in the late 1970's.

Lead can enter drinking water when plumbing materials that contain lead corrode. Lead pipes older faucets or fixtures and plumbing with lead solder are the most common sources of lead.

Bethel Water Department has treated its water with a corrosion inhibitor for many years and has been in compliance with Federal and State lead and copper standards since the implementation of the original Lead & Copper Rule 1991. The Action Level per EPA requirements and our most recent results are shown below:


                                                                         Lead (mg/l)           Copper (mg/l)
Action Level:*                                                         .015                           1.3
2023 Bethel Water Department Results:           .001                     0.45
2021 Bethel Water Department Results:            .001                     0.4
2020 Bethel Water Department Results:           .001                     0.4
2019 Bethel Water Department Results:            .001                     0.45


* Compliance is determined if 90% of the samples have a lead concentration at or below .015
mg/l. The results shown above indicate that our 90th percentile lead concentration is .001 mg/l
which is below the Lead Action Level and indicates that our system is in compliance.

BETHEL WATER DEPARTMENT CUSTOMERS: LET'S GET THE LEAD OUT!
 
Recent revisions to the Lead & Copper Rule require Bethel Water Department to prepare an inventory of all water service pipe materials in our system - both the Water Department portion and the customer portion. We have many services that are classified as "Lead Status Unknown", requiring us to identify them. You can assist us greatly by identifying the type of pipe that enters your home or business by following the steps outlined below.  
 
Please send an email with your address, type of pipe, size of pipe, and a photo of the pipe to publicworks@bethel-ct.gov  If you would like assistance or need a Bethel Water Department employee to verify the type of pipe at no cost to you, please call us at 203-794-8549 or send us an email to set up an appointment.