If you live in West Unity, Ohio and recently received a letter in the mail about your water service line and possible lead exposure, you’re not alone. Many West Unity homeowners are opening these notices and wondering what they actually mean for their home and family.
At Clearwater Systems, we work with homeowners throughout the West Unity area to help them understand their water and take confident next steps. Let’s break down what this letter means and how you can protect your home.
Why West Unity Residents Received This Water Notice
The letter explains that your home has a “lead status unknown” service line, meaning the Village of West Unity has not yet confirmed what material the service line is made of that connects your home to the public water main.
This does not mean lead has been found in your water.
Under federal requirements, public water systems like the Village of West Unity must notify residents anytime the service line material is unknown. This is part of a proactive effort to identify older infrastructure and ensure long-term water safety.
Why Lead in Drinking Water Is Taken Seriously
Lead exposure is taken seriously because there is no safe level of lead in drinking water, even in small amounts. While lead was once commonly used in plumbing materials, we now understand that prolonged exposure can pose health risks over time.
Certain households are more vulnerable to the effects of lead exposure, including:
- Pregnant women, because lead can affect fetal development
- Infants and young children, whose bodies and nervous systems are still developing
- Homes with older plumbing or fixtures, where lead or galvanized pipes may still be present
Lead can enter drinking water when plumbing materials corrode, especially in older homes or neighborhoods where service line materials have not yet been fully documented. Because this process happens slowly and without visible signs, homeowners may not realize there is a potential concern.
What West Unity Homeowners Can Do Right Now
If you received this notice, there are several actions you can take immediately inside your home:
- Use cold water for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula
- Flush your tap if water hasn’t been used for several hours
- Clean faucet aerators regularly
- Do not boil water to remove lead
- Use a certified lead-reduction drinking water filter
These steps help reduce potential exposure, but they don’t address overall household water quality.
How Clearwater Systems Can Help
At Clearwater Systems, we understand how important clean, safe drinking water is for your home and your family. With decades of experience in water treatment, we help homeowners in and around the Village of West Unity address water quality concerns with clarity and confidence. We offer certified products proven to reduce lead levels in drinking water.
Whether your service line material is still being identified or you simply want reassurance about what’s coming out of your tap, our team provides practical solutions designed to protect your household.
We can help by:
- Testing your water for lead and other common contaminants
- Explaining your results in clear, easy-to-understand terms
- Recommending certified drinking water and filtration solutions designed to reduce lead
- Helping you choose the right level of protection for your home
Feeling Uncertain? You’re Not Alone
Receiving a letter like this can feel unsettling, especially if you’ve never had to worry about your water before. The good news is that awareness gives you options.
Understanding your water is the first step toward protecting your home and family.
Take Action Today
If you live in West Unity, Ohio and have questions about your water quality or service line status, now is a good time to take action. Understanding your water doesn’t have to be complicated, and protecting your household doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.
If you received a lead-related water notice in the Village of West Unity or want clarity about your home’s water quality, Clearwater Systems is here to help.
Give us a call today (419-924-5585) and schedule a free in-home water analysis with our local team. We will provide you with a clear understanding of your water and a personalized treatment system to treat your water problem(s).
For additional information, residents can also reference resources from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency about lead in drinking water or contact Clearwater Systems directly to learn more about local water treatment options.
