Some property owners in Morganton may receive letters from their water utility about possible lead pipes.
Brad Boris, water and wastewater director for the city of Morganton, said the letters were necessary because of changes in federal water regulations for lead and copper pipes.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the changes will require water systems across the country — like the city of Morganton — to identify and replace all lead pipes within 10 years.
Utilities are not responsible for water lines running from the water meter directly to a home. Boris urged homeowners to check the pipes in their homes for lead pipes.
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Boris said Morganton's water supply, which will be tested again this summer, contains no detectable lead. He said the city has gone so long without detectable lead in its water supply that it has a reduced testing schedule and is required to test its water every three years.
He said most of the city's lines have been inspected and all lines that need to be replaced have either already been replaced or are scheduled to be replaced.
An old main service line is removed from a home in Gary, Indiana so a new line can be installed. According to the EPA, utility customers can find out if they have lead pipes by gently scratching the pipe with a key or coin. If the pipe is soft, easily scratched, and no magnet sticks to it, it may be made of lead.
John J. Watkins, The Times of Northwest Indiana
Why did I get a letter?
If the city does not have information about what material is used in the pipes that connect your home to the water main near your water meter, your household has received a letter about the potential risk of lead in your water pipes.
“The letter doesn’t mean you have lead pipes,” Boris said. Instead, residents are encouraged to check the pipes on their property. You can check here:
- Water Meter: Shine a flashlight around the water meter and see what type of pipes are there.
- Water Heater: Look at the pipes that connect the water heater to the water line and pipes in the house.
- Under the Sink: Look under bathroom and kitchen sinks to find out what type of pipes are there.
- Exposed Pipes in Basements and Ceilings: If you have a basement or ceiling with exposed water pipes, check what type of pipes you have.
Boris urged residents to check the pipes thoroughly and in different places if only some sections of pipes were replaced. He said homes built before 1991 may still have lead pipes.
The city is conducting a self-assessment survey that allows city residents to tell the city what type of pipes are in their home. The survey also includes photos of various pipes to help residents determine what type of pipes are in the home.
The survey can be found here: www.morgantonnc.gov/water-resources/page/lead-and-copper-inventory.
Survey says: lead pipes. What's next?
Exposure to lead in drinking water can have serious health effects for various age groups, the city said:
- Infants and children: decrease in IQ and attention span. Learning and behavioral problems may arise or worsen. If children are exposed to lead pipes in the womb, they may be at increased risk.
- Adults: Increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney or nervous system problems.
The City is only responsible for maintaining the water mains and the lines from the main line to the water meters. The water meter lines to or within the home are the responsibility of the property owner.
Property owners are strongly advised to replace any lead pipes found. Replacing pipes on private property is not necessary.
How to mitigate the effects of lead exposure
To reduce lead contamination in drinking water, the city recommends:
- Run running water for 15-30 seconds to flush out the lead. Boiling water will not remove the lead.
- Use another source for water treatment, such as: B. a pitcher filter that is certified to remove lead. Replace cartridges regularly.
- Use bottled water.
- Clean aerators and strainers on all plumbing fixtures.
- Brass faucets, fixtures and valves installed before 2014 could be contributing to lead contamination in drinking water due to a change in the law this year.
- Do not use water from the hot tap to prepare baby food.
To get your water tested for lead, Boris says here is a list of labs that test for lead or other contaminants: slphreporting.dph.ncdhhs.gov/Certification/CertifiedLaboratory.asp.
Chrissy Murphy is a staff writer and can be reached at [email protected] or 828-432-8941.
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