Do you Have Lead Pipes? Here’s What You Need to Know
As part of our commitment to water safety, Guam Waterworks Authority (GWA) is working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the Guam Environmental Protection Agency (GEPA) to assess and, if needed, replace lead service lines. Here’s what you need to know and how you can participate in our efforts.
Understanding Lead Service Lines
Service lines are pipes that connect the GWA water main in the street to homes or buildings. These lines can sometimes include both a public section, owned by GWA, and a private section on your property.
If either portion of the line contains lead, it may increase lead levels in your drinking water.
Why This Matters to You
Lead exposure can pose serious health risks, especially for young children, pregnant women, and older adults. Lead may enter drinking water if it is present in service lines, plumbing, or fixtures. The EPA has set strict guidelines to limit lead exposure, and GWA meets or exceeds all Safe Drinking Water Standards set by USEPA and GEPA.
Our results indicate that the water GWA provides to your meter is well below any regulatory levels of concern for lead and copper.
Any detections of lead above regulatory levels are typically due to private side fixtures or service lines within individual properties.
To better understand potential sources of lead exposure and ways to mitigate risks please visit Basic Information about Lead in Drinking Water.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Lead Service Line Survey – We Need Your Input
GWA’s records indicate that the material of your service line connecting to the GWA water main is currently unknown. Although we have no particular reason to believe your line contains lead, we are collecting information to identify the material used in your service line.
To complete the survey, GWA is asking for the following information from you:
You can submit this information in the GWA Online Portal. or by emailing us at myprivateplumbing@guamwaterworks.org.
All information collected will be used exclusively to assess and address potential lead service lines in our community.
Lead Service Line Replacement Program
If you determine that your private plumbing contains lead, please follow USEPA’s detailed guidance on how to reduce lead in drinking water. Funding may also be available through EPA grant programs to help cover eligible replacement costs. To explore this option, please complete a survey or arrange to conduct a water test to confirm the presence or absence of lead in your service line before inquiring about financing assistance. For more information on available funding and eligibility, please contact us at (671) 647-7800/7803.
We strongly encourage homeowners to replace any private lead service lines to ensure water safety and quality.
Testing Your Water for Lead
If you would like your water tested for lead, you may contact a certified laboratory for testing; we can provide a list of certified labs upon request. Alternatively, you can reach out to us at (671) 647-7800/7803 or visit one of our customer care locations for assistance with testing. Please note that while a water sample may detect lead, it may not capture all potential exposure sources for lead.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Contact Us
If you have questions or need assistance completing the Lead Service Line Survey, please reach out:
• Phone:(671) 647-7800/7803
• Email: myprivateplumbing@guamwaterworks.org
• Visit Us: GPWA Upper Tumon Office
Upper Tumon – Customer Service Center
578 North Marine Corps Drive,
Tamuning, GU 96913
Gloria B. Nelson Public Service Building – Customer Service Center
688 Route 15, Suite 200
Mangilao, GU 96913-6203
Julale Shopping Center – Customer Service Center
Suite 103
424 West O’Brien Drive
Hagåtña, Guam 96910