Lead FAQ
Children: Delays in physical or mental development
Adults: Kidney problems, high blood pressure
How Lead Gets in Your Water
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits.
While water doesn’t contain lead when it’s released by the treatment plant, it could contain dangerous levels by the time it reaches your sink.
Where the Lead Comes From
Certain additives dissolve metals and other minerals from pipes; chemicals, such as chloramines used to disinfect water, change water’s chemistry, making it more corrosive.
Water Main
Carries water from the treatment plant. It is rare for the water main to leach lead into the water.
Service Line
Connects each building to the water supply. Until a few decades ago, the lines commonly were made of lead. Even those installed since then might have some lead content.
Water Meter
Measures water use. Older meters could have high lead content. Even today's "lead-free" meters legally can contain as much as 8%.
Solder
Used to join pipes. After copper pipes replaced lead pipes, solder became a major contributor of lead contamination. Today's "lead-free" solder can contain no more than 0.2%.
Household Plumbing
Carries water through a home. Older homes may have lead pipes. Newer plumbing also may have substantial lead content, including "lead-free" pipes, which can contain as much as 8%.
Faucets
Brass fixtures (which include many chromed fixtures) are most likely to contain lead. Like other water pipes and fixtures, "lead-free" faucets can contain as much as 8%
Lead is sometimes used in household plumbing materials or in water service lines used to bring water from the main to the home. Lead was banned from plumbing materials used to provide water for human consumption in 1986. The Safe Drinking Water Act states that only “lead free” pipe, solder, or flux may be used in the installation or repair of plumbing materials.
Action Level for Treatment Technique = 0.015 milligrams per Liter (mg/L) or 0.015 parts per million (ppm)
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal MCLG = 0 mg/L or 0 ppm
Lead is a toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around homes. 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.
If your home is identified as having lead water service lines, you will be notified via mail. The District continues to identify all 20,000 waterlines within our service area.
Even though you may have lead pipes, your water is safe to drink. The Northwestern Water & Sewer District (The District) and your water treatment provider are taking the proper steps to ensure your water is not contaminated.
If your water service lines in your home or business are identified as lead, you will be notified by The District via mail starting in November 2024.
If you know or suspect that you have lead service lines or plumbing, there are ways to reduce your exposure to lead in your drinking water:
- Use only cold water for drinking, cooking, and making baby formula. Boiling water does not remove lead from water.
- Regularly clean your faucet’s screen (also known as an aerator).
- Consider using a certified water filter to remove lead and know when to replace it.
- Before drinking, flush your pipes by running your tap, showering, doing laundry, or doing a load of dishes.
- Contact The District to learn more about sources of lead and how to remove lead service lines.
- Review Basic Information about Lead in Drinking Water.