Frequently Asked Questions and Answers About Tube-Loy
What is Tube-Loy?
Tube-Loy is a lead-based alloy that was sometimes used for water service lines in the early 1940s due to copper and steel shortages caused by World War II.
What is a water service line?
A water service line is the pipe that transports water from the water main in the street to the home. (See figure)
Whose responsibility is it to maintain/repair/replace the service line?
The portion in public right of way is owned and maintained by WSSC. Generally speaking, public right of way refers to the area in/under the roadway extending to a homeowners' property line. The portion on private property (your property) is the responsibility of the property owner/homeowner.
Which homes are likely to have Tube-Loy?
WSSC initiated an extensive review of approximately 400,000 plumbing records and developed a list of approximately 2,900 homes built mostly around 1940-1945 in portions of Montgomery and Prince George's counties that may potentially have Tube-Loy service lines. Of the 2,900 service lines, WSSC crews have already inspected approximately 400 and found only three that were Tube-Loy. Based on these findings, and feedback from maintenance technicians, WSSC estimates it may find approximately 20-30 Tube-Loy pipes still in use.
Is my family at risk for lead exposure due to Tube-Loy pipes?
WSSC has tested water from all three homes found to have Tube-Loy service lines. Samples from these homes indicate lead concentrations well below the 15 parts per billion Federal Action Level, with the highest level found at 5 parts per billion. Pipes of this age likely have had enough time to develop a mineral coating protecting the pipes from significant lead leaching into the water supply.
What is WSSC doing to remedy this situation?
Of the 2,900 service lines that potentially may be Tube-Loy, WSSC crews have already inspected approximately 400 and found only three that were Tube-Loy. Based on these findings, and feedback from maintenance technicians, WSSC estimates it may find approximately 20-30 Tube-Loy pipes still in use. Water samples taken from all three homes and tested at WSSC's laboratory indicate lead concentrations well below the 15 parts per billion Federal Action Level. Additional inspections of the remaining 2,500 service lines are ongoing. WSSC crews are using conductivity instruments to quickly, and definitively, determine pipe material. The instruments will enable WSSC crews to inspect approximately 80 service lines per day. Water service will not be impacted during the inspection process. All inspections will be complete by the end of this June.
If Tube-Loy is found, who replaces the service line?
If Tube-Loy is found: customers will immediately be notified and advised of the situation; in-home water samples will be collected and test results provided directly to homeowners; and replacement of the alloy service line will be scheduled.
What if the portion of the service line on my property is Tube-Loy?
WSSC anticipates the potential of this possibility to be extremely remote. If this occurs, WSSC will review options on a case by case basis with the homeowner.
What are the options for minimizing lead exposure from a Tube-Loy service line?
Please note that WSSC has tested water from all three homes found to have Tube-Loy service lines. Samples from these homes indicate lead concentrations well below the 15 parts per billion Federal Action Level, with the highest level found at 5 parts per billion. Pipes of this age likely have had enough time to develop a mineral coating protecting the pipes from significant lead leaching into the water supply.
If you are still concerned, a good option for minimizing lead exposure from a Tube-Loy service line is flushing the cold water tap for approximately 10 minutes. This will ensure water sitting in the service line is flushed out. Hot water should not be used for drinking or cooking as lead levels generally are higher in hot water.
I thought WSSC had no lead service lines?
Following regional lead concerns, WSSC initiated a thorough review of previous lead pipe abatement efforts. This review determined that an alloy material called Tube-Loy was sometimes used for water service lines during the World War II era. After research indicated that Tube-Loy was a lead-based alloy, WSSC initiated an extensive review of approximately 400,000 plumbing records and developed a list of approximately 2,900 homes in older areas of Montgomery and Prince George's counties that may potentially have Tube-Loy service lines.
WSSC has inspected approximately 400 service lines and found only three that were Tube-Loy. Additional inspections of approximately 2,500 service lines are ongoing. All inspections will be complete by the end of this June.
Will my home be inspected?
Tube-Loy was sometimes used for water service lines in the early 1940s due to copper and steel shortages caused by World War II. If your home was NOT built between 1939 and 1945, the water service line is not likely to be Tube-Loy and therefore will not likely be inspected. In the extremely rare case that a home built outside this range is inspected, we will notify the homeowner if we find Tube-Loy.
What If I don't know when my house was built?
Please call a WSSC representative at 301-206-8088 and they will be glad to let you know if the service line to your home will be tested.
Overall, does WSSC have problems with lead in their water?
No. WSSC has met, and continues to meet, all Federal and State drinking water regulations including the Lead and Copper Rule. Residential lead tests results released this past summer for Montgomery and Prince George's counties were well below EPA guidelines. Historically, lead levels in WSSC's service area have been below the 15 ppb Action Level for the past 10 years and continue to decline.
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