Ensuring Safe Water: Join Chester Water Authority’s Call to Action

Jul 10, 2024, 
Chester Water Authority (CWA) understands the great responsibility we have to the community we serve--safe, quality water is life. CWA leads by example, championing transparency, collaboration, and innovation to protect what matters most—your health, safety, and well-being. The pipes beneath our feet play a critical role in the safety, quality, and even taste of the water you use and consume everyday. The water service line is a vital, but often overlooked, component. Water service lines serve as the water access point connecting homes and buildings to the main water supply in the streets. Yet, what materials comprise these service lines can significantly impact water safety.
Water service lines are installed by the builder and the responsibility of the homeowner or building owner. You might be asking yourself, “Who is responsible for my plumbing?” That is a question that often arises when considering water service lines. And it becomes confusing when these pipes are buried beneath the ground. The following sketches depict typical water service line layouts to clarify those roles.
​Water Meter Outside:

Water Meter Inside:

​chesterwater.com/ensuring-safe-water/​Your home’s or building’s water service lines or plumbing materials can be made of various materials, including lead, copper, galvanized metal, or plastic. With health concerns surrounding lead and copper contamination, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has mandated a comprehensive assessment to identify all lead service lines by October 2024, under its Lead and Copper Rule Revision. 
We need your help to provide information on the piping materials that connect your home to our service line. Click this link for more information and to participate in our water service line materials survey.
Chester Water Authority (CWA) was established in 1939. First made of wood and then concrete, CWA’s water mains are 100% lead-free. However, our pursuit of water safety doesn’t end there. As part of the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Revision, CWA is embarking on a comprehensive water service line study to determine the materials used in the water service lines in the homes and buildings of our ratepayers. 
“Our dedication to water safety extends beyond compliance; it’s ingrained in our organization’s culture,” remarks Noel Brandon, Chairperson of the CWA Board. “By engaging our ratepayers in this study, we’re fostering a collaborative effort to safeguard our water supply for generations to come.”
We invite all ratepayers to participate in this crucial initiative. Click the link provided to complete a brief survey, aiding in the identification of water service line materials in your residence or business. You may have received a postcard in the mail about this.
Here is the best part, we will be sharing the data directly with you! As data accumulates across our service area, CWA will develop an interactive map. This resource will empower you to learn more about water service line materials, fostering awareness and informed decision-making for homeowners and local governments alike. The map will be enacted once enough data has been accumulated across the service area.
“Together, we’re not just ensuring clean, affordable and safe water; we’re shaping a future where water safety is paramount,” concludes Brandon. “Join us in this endeavor, and let’s pave the way for a healthier, more resilient community.”
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