A lead service line is pictured in Washington, D.C.

SHEPHERDSTOWN — The Corporation of Shepherdstown has launched a major project to encourage and assist all residents living within town limits to complete a “Service Water Pipe Inventory” survey by Sept. 31. The primary purpose of the survey is to identify homes that may have water lines containing lead.

More information and a link to an online survey is available at www.subwv.org and on the town website at https://shepherdstown.us. In addition, residents can obtain a paper copy of the survey by calling Town Hall on 304-876-2574 and by emailing Comments@Shepherdstown.us.

It is very important that all town water customers who live within the Shepherdstown limits take action and submit the survey by the deadline. By West Virginia State Law, any water system customer who does not submit the survey may be required to do extensive sampling of their water over the coming several months. In addition, Shepherdstown water may be required to excavate to identify the water service line materials at the owner’s expense.

“We need all residents who live within town limits to complete the survey!” said Mayor James Gatz. “Town staff are available to assist anyone with questions or who have difficulty with the survey. In addition, Town Hall and Water System staff are canvassing our neighborhoods to distribute paper copies of the survey and assist.”

He explained that every water system in the United States is required by federal regulations to administer the survey and report results this fall. The agencies want to better protect communities from the risks of lead exposure by identifying lead pipes within public water systems and within private homes and businesses. Completing the survey will assist Shepherdstown in planning and working with federal and state agencies to fund future remediation efforts.

“The town paid a consultant to administer an initial mail-in survey for town resident in fall 2023,” Gatz said. “However, it has come to light only recently that the response rate for the 2023 survey was not strong enough.”

More information on lead in drinking water, testing methods and steps that can be taken to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 or via email at www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

“If you believe that you have identified a lead water service line, the Shepherdstown Water Department will contact you upon completing the survey and discuss with you options available for moving forward,” said Chief Operator and Public Works Director Charles “Woody” Coe.