Notification Requirements.
All water systems with lead, galvanized requiring replacement, or lead status unknown service lines in their inventory pursuant to § 141.84(a) must inform all persons served by the water system at the service connection with a lead, galvanized requiring replacement, or lead status unknown service line.
What is a Service Line? A service line is the piping that connects your household or building plumbing to the water main in the street. Ownership varies by water system but is typically split between the water system and the customer. Minersville Water Authority owns the section of the service line from the water main to the curb stop, while the section from the curb stop to the water meter is owned by the customer.
How Can I Determine My Service Line Material? The Municipal Authority of the Borough of Minersville is continuing service line identification and replacement. If your service line is found to contain lead or galvanized piping requiring replacement, you will receive a separate notice with information about service line replacement and financing opportunities. IF YOU KNOW YOUR SERVICE LINE IS NOT LEAD, PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE TO LET US KNOW. IF YOU ARE UNSURE, PLEASE CONTACT US TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT FOR VERIFICVATION.
What are the Health Effects of Lead? Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can lead to new learning and behavior problems or exacerbate existing learning and behavior problems. The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased risk of these adverse health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney or nervous system problems.
What Can I do to Reduce Exposure to Lead in Drinking Water?
· Run your water to flush out lead. If the water hasn’t been used for several hours, run the water for 15-30 seconds to flush lead from interior plumbing or run the water until it becomes cold or reaches a steady temperature before using it for drinking or cooking. Only use cold water for drinking and cooking.
· Do NOT use water from the hot water tap to make baby formula.
· Do NOT boil water to remove lead. Boiling water will not reduce lead.
· Look for alternative sources or treatment of water, such as use of a pitcher filter that is certified to remove lead and replace the cartridges on a routine frequency or use bottled water.
· Identify and replace premise plumbing fixtures containing lead. Brass faucets, fittings, and valves, including those advertised as “lead free” installed prior to 2014, may contribute lead to drinking water because the law allowed fixtures with up to 8% lead to be labeled as lead free.
· Regularly clean your aerators/screens on plumbing fixtures. Sediment, debris, and lead particles can collect in your aerator. If lead particles are caught in the aerator, lead can get into your water.
