SUB has tested its source water and water from its distribution system for lead. No lead has been detected in water delivered to SUB customers. That means the water coming into your home meets the most rigorous standards.
How can lead get into drinking water?
Some older homes may have plumbing fixtures that contain lead and that can leach into drinking water. In particular, homes built before 1986 may have copper pipes with lead solder. When water stands for several hours in plumbing systems that contain lead, the lead can dissolve into drinking water. SUB helps proactively prevent this by optimizing the pH of the drinking water we deliver to help prevent lead from leaching out of older household plumbing fixtures.
What are the health effects of lead?
If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. SUB is responsible for providing high-quality drinking water but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to two minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.
What can homeowners do to reduce possible exposure?
- Run water from your tap before using it. If water hasn’t been used for many hours, flush the cold tap for at least 30 seconds or until the water runs colder.
- Use only cold water for cooking, drinking and preparing baby formula. Lead from plumbing fixtures dissolves more easily into hot water.
- Regularly clean your faucet aerators. Lead particles can become trapped there.
- Consider buying low-lead faucets. As of January 2014, all pipes, fittings and fixtures are required to contain less than 0.25% lead.
- Consider investing in a water filter. Before buying, confirm the filter reduces lead – not all do. And remember that contaminants can collect in filters if not properly maintained, so follow your filter’s instructions carefully.