Aquarion has worried a number of Westport homeowners.
They’ve freaked out many others.
In letters received Friday and Saturday, customers of the water company were told: “Our most recent service line inventory indicates that some or all of the water service line materials between the water main and your property are of unknown material classification. Unknown means that the service line may be lead.” (Bold words are Aquarion’s.)
People living in homes with a lead or galvanized pipe once connected to a lead service line — especially pregnant women and young children — can suffer serious health problems, Aquarion noted.
They include decreased IQ and attention spans, and learning and behavior problems in youths, and increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, and kidney or nervous system issues in adults.
The utility offered tips for “anyone who drinks or cooks with water at this property.”
There was also a link to a website to “help determine the material of your service line,” information on how to replace a lead service line. and a link for more information. (You can also call 866-728-5021, or email lead@aquarionwater.com.)
One recipient called the letter “ominous and cryptic.”
Another who contacted “06880” noted that while the tone of the letter was serious, it appeared to be written “by and for lawyers.”
A third recipient described it more bluntly: “Aquarion covering their ass.”
Representative Town Meeting member Jennifer Johnson says that, according to a footnote in the Bridgeport Main Report, Aquarion had not yet tested Westport’s wells.
She followed up with the Aspetuck Health District. Director Mark Cooper told her that the town of Westport does not test water; only Aquarion does.
“This is an open issue,” she says.
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