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Frequently Asked Questions about Tube-Loy

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Is my family at risk for lead exposure due to Tube-Loy pipes?

To date, WSSC has tested water from the first two homes found to have Tube-Loy service lines (water tests are ongoing for the third home). 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.

4. When will testing be conducted to determine if my home is affected by Tube-Loy service lines?

WSSC will begin testing the remaining 2,500 service lines that have been identified to potentially contain Tube-Loy at the beginning of April and expect to be completed at the end of June.

5. 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 the first two homes and tested at WSSC's laboratory indicate lead concentrations well below the 15 parts per billion Federal Action Level. WSSC is currently conducting water tests for the third home. 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.

6. What are the options for minimizing lead exposure from a Tube-Loy service line?

Please note that WSSC has tested water from the first two homes found to have Tube-Loy service lines (water tests are ongoing for the third home). 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.

For more information on lead in drinking water: http://www.mwcog.org/environment/water/watersupply/lead/faq.asp

For more information on Tube-Loy:
http://www.wssc.dst.md.us/info/Tube-Loy/faq.html