WHAT IS LEAD?
Lead is a toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around
homes. Even at low levels, lead may cause a range of health effects including behavioral problems and learning disabilities.
Children six years old and under are most at risk because this is when the brain is developing. The primary source of lead
exposure for most children is lead-based paint in older homes. Lead in drinking water can add to that exposure.
HOW DOES LEAD GET INTO MY TAP WATER?
Typically, lead gets into your water after the water
leaves your local treatment plant or your well. That is, the source of lead in your home's water is most likely from pipes
or solder in your home's own plumbing. The most common cause is corrosion, a reaction between the water and the lead pipes
or solder. Dissolved oxygen, low pH (acidity) and low mineral content in water are common causes of corrosion. All kinds of
water, however, may have high levels of lead.
HOW CAN I REDUCE THE LEAD IN MY DRINKING WATER AT HOME?
Flush your pipes before drinking, and only use
cold water for consumption. The more time water has been sitting in your home's pipes, the more lead it may contain.
Anytime the water in a particular faucet has not been used for six hours or longer, "flush" your cold-water pipes
by running the water until it becomes as cold as it will get. This could take as little as five to thirty seconds if there
has been recent heavy water use such as showering or toilet flushing. Otherwise, it could take two minutes or longer.
Your water utility will inform you if longer flushing times are needed to respond to local conditions. Use only water
from the cold-water tap for drinking, cooking, and especially for making baby formula. Hot water is likely to contain higher
levels of lead. The two actions recommended above are very important to the health of your family. They will probably be effective
in reducing lead levels because most of the lead in household water usually comes from the plumbing in your house, not from
the local water supply.
WHAT CAN BE DONE TO REMOVE LEAD FROM PRIVATE
WELL WATER?
If you have a private well, there are water treatment devices that can (1) remove lead at the point
of use, or (2) reduce corrosivity at the point where the water supply enters your home.
1 Point of use
devices such as reverse osmosis, are installed at the tap and can affectively remove lead from your drinking water.
2 Point of entry devices are installed where the water supply enters the home. Corrosion control
devices, such as nuetralizers, reduce the tendency of the water to disolve lead from the indoor plumbing materials. MY WATER QUALITY
Please call us to have
your water quality tested.
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