[Lincolnparkdc] Any experience with lead in water pipes abatement?

Mon Sep 21 11:16:36 EDT 2020

Thanks to everyone for all this good info.

I did not receive a notice on my door and it's possible that they called on
the home phone which we rarely answer. I called over to United
Construction, and they're going to do an assessment but I do find this all
very interesting. I asked if we could just have them replace the public
portion since I think we had new pipes put in at the connection for a
better shut off when we redid our basement years ago, and the rep said she
wasn't sure if they could do just the public "free" portion (paid for by
DCWater). We will see what they say.

Thanks all,
Gina

On Mon, Sep 21, 2020 at 9:18 AM Paul Krupa <paul.krupa at gmail.com> wrote:

> Gina
> Here is Kevon's contact info.
> A rep will schedule an inspection to view your meter, connection and
> general installation. If your meter is in your front yard, as is typical,
> it is on city property. The contractor will propose tearing up your yard
> and tying into the water main under the sidewalk (which also gets torn up)
> and installing a new water meter. I believe the new meter comes with a 1"
> diameter (which can improve your pressure). They will tie into your
> existing connection and replace the valve for $1200. To me it seems like an
> expensive proposition given that the city already gave them a franchise,
> they have already been paid by the city to tear up and replace everything
> other than the 12" through your wall and connecting to your house. So the
> marginal increase in work for another $1200 appears excessive to me. From a
> job basis I would guess that part would take an hour. I would think the
> city would have negotiated a better rate than this. Or maybe it's on us to
> do that.
> Still getting this done on your own would be pretty expensive and $1200 is
> expensive.
> Call him right away. They may be able to get this done and probably won't
> be coming back given the investment they have in doing this all week on
> this block.
>
> Kevon Levenberry(202) 925-5580‬
>
> Paul
>
>
> On Mon, Sep 21, 2020 at 12:42 AM <hfkdc at aol.com> wrote:
>
>> Gina,
>> They are going to do our house, 113, and and one other on Monday, I'm not
>> certain about the address.  It is my understanding that Tim and Heather's
>> at 117 were supposed to be done on Monday, but I think that they had been
>> asked to change days with someone else. At any rate, someone else's house
>> on the block will be done on Monday. Jon at 109 told me that his house is
>> also going to be done, but I don't know which day.  Kevon was on the block
>> a couple of days ago and said that they would be working on the block on
>> Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and that he was negotiating with 103 and
>> 107.  According to Margaret, the latter two houses will be done on
>> Thursday.  Thus it looks like they will be on the block for most of the
>> week.
>> I'm puzzled that you were not contacted.  One of Kevon's coworkers called
>> us directly.  There were also placards hung on doorways after we were
>> contacted.  It was my understanding that everyone on the block had been
>> contacted so I don't know why you were missed.
>>
>> Good luck.
>> Hazel
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Margaret Rafferty <mhrafferty at hotmail.com>
>> To: lincolnparkdc at lincolnparkdc.info <lincolnparkdc at lincolnparkdc.info>
>> Sent: Sun, Sep 20, 2020 11:18 pm
>> Subject: Re: [Lincolnparkdc] Any experience with lead in water pipes
>> abatement?
>>
>> Yes Gina, they will still do it. It’s a city wide program. Call Kevon
>> Levenberry 301-404-0951. He is the contractor (United Construction)
>> coordinating the work. He should be out & about Kentucky Ave tomorrow. His
>> company is scheduled to do 2 houses tomorrow starting apx 7:30 am @ Bob &
>> Hazel’s home. They plan to do 2 houses each day this week. My home (103 Ky)
>> and 107 Ky are scheduled for Thursday.
>>
>> Good luck,
>>
>> Margaret
>>
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> On Sep 20, 2020, at 8:17 PM, "citymom92 at gmail.com" <citymom92 at gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>> 
>> Now that I’m seeing everyone getting their limes replaced I’m wondering
>> why I wasn’t contacted along with everyone else. I wouldn’t mind the higher
>> pressure I suppose, but I’m pretty sure we tested for lead when we first
>> moved into this house and it wasn’t a problem. Wondering if I should follow
>> up with DC Water. Will they still do it even if it’s not scheduled at the
>> same time as everyone else this week?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Gina A
>>
>> On Sep 4, 2020, at 6:48 PM, Paul Krupa <paul.krupa at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> Bryan,
>> Yes, we do have copper as it is visible entering the house. The big gain
>> for us is the bump up from ⅝” to 1”.
>> Paul
>>
>> Sent from my iPad
>>
>> On Sep 4, 2020, at 06:45, Bryan George <bryandgeorge at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> 
>> We signed up as well -- were told that they were going to be doing
>> "several" houses on the block this month, and that they hoped to do 2 a
>> day.  They were leaving flyers on doors, but called us directly with the
>> offer.  The guy came in and looked at our pipe and sent a contract later
>> that day.  The service map (https://dcwater.com/servicemap) shows which
>> houses have lead pipes (at least which houses they think have lead) --
>> Paul, interestingly 159 is one of 2 houses on our side of the block that's
>> listed as having copper pipes inside and out.
>>
>> Bryan
>> 147 Ky
>>
>> On Thu, Sep 3, 2020 at 10:31 PM Mark Jordan <mark at markjordan.me> wrote:
>>
>> One piece of knowledge I picked up when lead pipes in schools was most
>> recently an issue:
>>
>> There are two kinds of lead in water:  soluble (i.e., lead dissolved in
>> water) and particulate (i.e., discrete pieces of lead that slough off of a
>> lead source, which are typically smaller than the eye can see).  Both
>> types, when ingested, are toxic.
>>
>> I raise it only because it's relevant to decisions to replace pipes based
>> on the results of a test of lead levels in your water.  If you have a lead
>> pipe servicing your house and pieces of lead occasionally break off as
>> particulate, they may or may not end up in a sample you collect for
>> testing.  In other words, you may end up with false negatives.
>>
>> Thanks.
>>
>> Mark
>>
>>
>> On Thu, Sep 3, 2020 at 10:02 PM Ken Jarboe <kpjarboe at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> Some of the feeder line on Capitol Hill are galvanized iron. You can test
>> this by seeing if a magnet will stick to the line where it comes into the
>> house (before the shutoff valve. See
>> https://www.dcwater.com/identifylead
>>
>> On Sep 3, 2020, at 7:59 PM, Peter R <CapHillPeter at doofuscorp.com> wrote:
>>
>> There is a lot of information available at www.dcwater.com.
>> Try: https://www.dcwater.com/voluntary-replacements
>> and https://www.dcwater.com/replacelead
>>
>> For a map showing if DC Water thinks you have a lead service line (they
>> are
>> not always right), see
>> https://geo.dcwater.com/Lead/
>>
>> Many years ago, when the water supplier to DC Water (then called WASA)
>> switched from chlorine to chloramine, it caused lead to leach into the
>> water.  They later added chemicals to prevent that from happening, and the
>> lead levels in our water have gone down significantly.  So much that DC
>> Water has cut way back on lead line replacements and is no longer
>> considered
>> to be a "problem city".  Most houses with lead pipes now register
>> more-or-less acceptable lead levels (including mine).  But they do admit
>> that all lead lines need to be replaced eventually.
>>
>> On Cap Hill, the city owns your front yard, up to the face of the house.
>> DC
>> Water is responsible for replacing that portion of the pipe, but due to
>> problems many years ago, they will only replace their part if you replace
>> your part.  If I recall, DC Water will do your part for a flat fee of
>> around
>> $500, but I may be recalling wrong.  DC Water's customer service line
>> (354-3600) is pretty helpful sometimes, so give them a try.  They will
>> probably transfer you to the lead pipe department.
>>
>> Replacing the shutoff valve at the same time is a very good idea, and may
>> be
>> something that is standard.  If you have old copper pipes, or older
>> iron/steel pipes (that is, not plastic pipes), you may also want to add an
>> *electric* shutoff valve also.  This can be wired into a basement water
>> detector so that when the inevitable leak or burst pipe/water
>> heater/washer
>> hose occurs the detector can shut off your water.  You will still have a
>> flood, but you won't have a swimming pool.
>>
>> If you are really concerned about lead and cost, the cheapest solution is
>> to
>> get a filter pitcher or filter on your kitchen faucet.  Lead won't hurt
>> you
>> in the shower or laundry, only your drinking water.
>>
>> --Peter--
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Cathie Woteki <uygp-hs47 at DoofusCorp.com>
>> Sent: Thursday, September 03, 2020 6:08 PM
>> To: lincolnparkdc at lincolnparkdc.info
>> Subject: [Lincolnparkdc] Any experience with lead in water pipes
>> abatement?
>>
>> * Replies will be sent through Spamex to lincolnparkdc at lincolnparkdc.info
>> * For additional info click -> https://www.spamex.com/i/?v=127628876
>>
>> We were approached by a representative of United Construction Services
>> about
>> lining the water pipe coming into our house with new copper pipe as well
>> as
>> replacing the shutoff valve for a cost of $1200.  Has anyone on the list
>> done this?  What was your experience?
>>
>> Thanks for whatever information you can provide!
>>
>> Cathie Woteki
>>
>> Cathie, her iPad Mini
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> LincolnParkDC mailing list
>>
>> To post to the list address your message to:
>> LincolnParkDC at lincolnparkdc.info When replying, please consider whether
>> to
>> reply to the sender only, or to the list, which is the default.
>> Not all replies are appropriate for the entire list.
>>
>> Please do not send administrative requests to the list. Please click on
>> the
>> following link to switch to digest mode, change your password, or
>> otherwise
>> manage your subscription:
>> https://vps.woteki.com/mailman/listinfo/lincolnparkdc_lincolnparkdc.info
>>
>> If you need assistance managing your subscription, please address your
>> request to: towncrier at lincolnparkdc.info Please do not address assistance
>> requests to the list. Thank you for your cooperation.
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> LincolnParkDC mailing list
>>
>> To post to the list address your message to:
>> LincolnParkDC at lincolnparkdc.info
>> When replying, please consider whether to reply to the sender only, or to
>> the list, which is the default.
>> Not all replies are appropriate for the entire list.
>>
>> Please do not send administrative requests to the list. Please click on
>> the following link to
>> switch to digest mode, change your password, or otherwise manage your
>> subscription:
>> https://vps.woteki.com/mailman/listinfo/lincolnparkdc_lincolnparkdc.info
>>
>> If you need assistance managing your subscription, please address your
>> request to: towncrier at lincolnparkdc.info
>> Please do not address assistance requests to the list. Thank you for your
>> cooperation.
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> LincolnParkDC mailing list
>>
>> To post to the list address your message to:
>> LincolnParkDC at lincolnparkdc.info
>> When replying, please consider whether to reply to the sender only, or to
>> the list, which is the default.
>> Not all replies are appropriate for the entire list.
>>
>> Please do not send administrative requests to the list. Please click on
>> the following link to
>> switch to digest mode, change your password, or otherwise manage your
>> subscription:
>> https://vps.woteki.com/mailman/listinfo/lincolnparkdc_lincolnparkdc.info
>>
>> If you need assistance managing your subscription, please address your
>> request to: towncrier at lincolnparkdc.info
>> Please do not address assistance requests to the list. Thank you for your
>> cooperation.
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> LincolnParkDC mailing list
>>
>> To post to the list address your message to:
>> LincolnParkDC at lincolnparkdc.info
>> When replying, please consider whether to reply to the sender only, or to
>> the list, which is the default.
>> Not all replies are appropriate for the entire list.
>>
>> Please do not send administrative requests to the list. Please click on
>> the following link to
>> switch to digest mode, change your password, or otherwise manage your
>> subscription:
>> https://vps.woteki.com/mailman/listinfo/lincolnparkdc_lincolnparkdc.info
>>
>> If you need assistance managing your subscription, please address your
>> request to: towncrier at lincolnparkdc.info
>> Please do not address assistance requests to the list. Thank you for your
>> cooperation.
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> LincolnParkDC mailing list
>>
>> To post to the list address your message to:
>> LincolnParkDC at lincolnparkdc.info
>> When replying, please consider whether to reply to the sender only, or to
>> the list, which is the default.
>> Not all replies are appropriate for the entire list.
>>
>> Please do not send administrative requests to the list. Please click on
>> the following link to
>> switch to digest mode, change your password, or otherwise manage your
>> subscription:
>> https://vps.woteki.com/mailman/listinfo/lincolnparkdc_lincolnparkdc.info
>>
>> If you need assistance managing your subscription, please address your
>> request to: towncrier at lincolnparkdc.info
>> Please do not address assistance requests to the list. Thank you for your
>> cooperation.
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> LincolnParkDC mailing list
>>
>> To post to the list address your message to:
>> LincolnParkDC at lincolnparkdc.info
>> When replying, please consider whether to reply to the sender only, or to
>> the list, which is the default.
>> Not all replies are appropriate for the entire list.
>>
>> Please do not send administrative requests to the list. Please click on
>> the following link to
>> switch to digest mode, change your password, or otherwise manage your
>> subscription:
>> https://vps.woteki.com/mailman/listinfo/lincolnparkdc_lincolnparkdc.info
>>
>> If you need assistance managing your subscription, please address your
>> request to: towncrier at lincolnparkdc.info
>> Please do not address assistance requests to the list. Thank you for your
>> cooperation.
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> LincolnParkDC mailing list
>>
>> To post to the list address your message to:
>> LincolnParkDC at lincolnparkdc.info
>> When replying, please consider whether to reply to the sender only, or to
>> the list, which is the default.
>> Not all replies are appropriate for the entire list.
>>
>> Please do not send administrative requests to the list. Please click on
>> the following link to
>> switch to digest mode, change your password, or otherwise manage your
>> subscription:
>> https://vps.woteki.com/mailman/listinfo/lincolnparkdc_lincolnparkdc.info
>>
>> If you need assistance managing your subscription, please address your
>> request to: towncrier at lincolnparkdc.info
>> Please do not address assistance requests to the list. Thank you for your
>> cooperation.
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> LincolnParkDC mailing list
>>
>> To post to the list address your message to:
>> LincolnParkDC at lincolnparkdc.info
>> When replying, please consider whether to reply to the sender only, or to
>> the list, which is the default.
>> Not all replies are appropriate for the entire list.
>>
>> Please do not send administrative requests to the list. Please click on
>> the following link to
>> switch to digest mode, change your password, or otherwise manage your
>> subscription:
>> https://vps.woteki.com/mailman/listinfo/lincolnparkdc_lincolnparkdc.info
>>
>> If you need assistance managing your subscription, please address your
>> request to: towncrier at lincolnparkdc.info
>> Please do not address assistance requests to the list. Thank you for your
>> cooperation.
>> _______________________________________________
>> LincolnParkDC mailing list
>>
>> To post to the list address your message to:
>> LincolnParkDC at lincolnparkdc.info
>> When replying, please consider whether to reply to the sender only, or to
>> the list, which is the default.
>> Not all replies are appropriate for the entire list.
>>
>> Please do not send administrative requests to the list. Please click on
>> the following link to
>> switch to digest mode, change your password, or otherwise manage your
>> subscription:
>> https://vps.woteki.com/mailman/listinfo/lincolnparkdc_lincolnparkdc.info
>>
>> If you need assistance managing your subscription, please address your
>> request to: towncrier at lincolnparkdc.info
>> Please do not address assistance requests to the list. Thank you for your
>> cooperation.
>>
>
>
> --
> Paul
> 202 255 9008
> _______________________________________________
> LincolnParkDC mailing list
>
> To post to the list address your message to:
> LincolnParkDC at lincolnparkdc.info
> When replying, please consider whether to reply to the sender only, or to
> the list, which is the default.
> Not all replies are appropriate for the entire list.
>
> Please do not send administrative requests to the list. Please click on
> the following link to
> switch to digest mode, change your password, or otherwise manage your
> subscription:
> https://vps.woteki.com/mailman/listinfo/lincolnparkdc_lincolnparkdc.info
>
> If you need assistance managing your subscription, please address your
> request to: towncrier at lincolnparkdc.info
> Please do not address assistance requests to the list. Thank you for your
> cooperation.
>
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lincolnparkdc.info/pipermail/lincolnparkdc_lincolnparkdc.info/attachments/20200921/cc8d513a/attachment.htm>