Lead is a common naturally occurring metallic element that can be found in air, soil, and water. It was commonly used in gasoline and paint until the 1970s and is still sometimes found in products such as ceramics, batteries, ammunition, and cosmetics. Lead was used for centuries in plumbing because of its pliability and resistance to leaks. In fact, lead’s chemical symbol, Pb, is derived from the Latin word for plumbing.
Lead is a toxic metal that can cause immediate health effects at high doses and long-term health effects if it builds up in the body over many years. Lead can cause brain and kidney damage in addition to effects on the blood and vitamin D metabolism. Pregnant women and young children are particularly vulnerable because the physical and behavioral effects of lead occur at lower exposure levels in children than in adults. In children, low levels of exposure have been linked to central and peripheral nervous system damage, learning disabilities, shorter stature, impaired hearing, and impaired formation and function of blood cells. While people are more commonly exposed to lead through paint, soil and dust, the EPA estimates infants who consume mostly formula mixed with water that contains lead can receive 40 percent to 60 percent of their exposure to lead from drinking water.
Nationally:
In Kentucky, the use of lead as a service line material was prohibited on January 1, 1988. Therefore, any service line constructed after this date is non-lead. Lead and lead-containing materials were allowed in municipal and household plumbing until 1986. In 1986, U.S. Congress amended the Safe Drinking Water Act to prohibit the use of pipes, solder or flux that were not “lead free.” At the time “lead free” was defined as solder and flux with no more than 0.2% lead and pipes with no more than 8%. In 2014, the maximum allowable lead content was reduced to not more than a weighted average of 0.25% of the wetted surface of pipes, pipe fittings, plumbing fittings, and fixtures.
What about Paducah Water’s System:
Within PW’s system, lead was used as a material for some service lines prior to 1930. However, based on our records, service lines installed after 1930 have a low likelihood of containing lead.
Lead is not readily apparent in water and may be colorless, odorless and tasteless. The only way to know for certain whether your drinking water contains lead is to have your water tested by a certified laboratory. Please reach out to our Water Quality Supervisor for more information about having your water tested for lead by clicking here.
Lead is almost never present when water flows from the treatment facility. The same is true for the water mains running beneath the streets. However, in some older homes lead may be present in the pipe connecting the home to the water system – known as a service line — or in the home plumbing such as valves, fittings and faucets. Lead in service pipes, plumbing or fixtures can dissolve, or particles can break off into water and end up at the tap.
No. In fact, lead in drinking water generally represents only about 10% to 20% of total exposure, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, drinking water can account for more than half of lead exposure in children because of their lower body weight. Additionally, because no level of lead is considered safe, completely eliminating potential sources of lead is strongly advised.
For more information about all sources of lead exposure, visit the links below:
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS)
Lead can be harmful even at very low levels and can accumulate in our bodies over time, so wherever possible steps should be taken to reduce or eliminate your household’s exposure. While risks vary based on individual circumstances and the amount of water consumed, no concentration of lead is considered “safe.” Households with pregnant women, infants, or young children are most vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead at low levels.
PW has been in compliance with the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule, and any revisions, since the rule was first established in 1991. The results from PW’s lead and copper compliance testing are provided in the Water Quality Report (also known as Consumer Confidence Report or CCR) that PW publishes each year. Visit Water Quality Reports on our website here.
For more information related to reading and understanding PW’s Water Quality Report, see the EPA brochure available here.
The best way to remove risks of lead in water is to completely replace all sources of lead. But there are also steps you can take right away to reduce lead levels in your water:
Run the Tap Before Use – Lead levels are likely at their highest when water has been sitting in the pipe for several hours. Clear this water from your pipes by running the cold water for several minutes. This allows you to draw fresh water from the main. You can use this water on house plants or to flush toilets.
Clean Aerators – Aerators are small attachments at the tips of faucets which regulate the flow of water. They can accumulate small particles of lead in their screens. It’s a good idea to remove your aerators at least monthly and clean them out.
Use Cold Water for Cooking and Drinking – Always cook and prepare baby formula with cold water, because hot water dissolves lead more quickly, resulting in higher levels in water.
Do Not Boil Water to Remove Lead – Boiling water will not remove lead.
Filter the Water – Many home water filters are effective at removing lead. If you purchase a filter, make sure it is certified for lead removal and that you maintain it properly. Find out more on filters by clicking the link here.
Those in households with pregnant women, infants or young children should be especially aware of the potential for lead exposure through drinking water. Babies and young children are most vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead at low levels. The EPA estimates infants who consume mostly formula mixed with water that contains lead can receive 40 percent to 60 percent of their exposure to lead from drinking water.
Because lead is not absorbed through the skin, bathing or showering in water containing lead is not considered a health risk.
You can contact PW for more information about your service line materials. However, if you are interested in materials within your home or business, you may want to have a licensed plumber perform an inspection.
You may be able to determine on your own if your service line is made of lead. Service lines typically enter the home in the basement or crawl space. If the pipe is lead, it will have a dull finish that shines brightly when scratched with a key or coin. Using a magnet can also help you identify a lead pipe, because even a strong magnet will not cling to lead.
A service line is underground pipe that carries water from Paducah Water’s main to the meter, and from the meter to a home or business. Typically, this pipe is small, with a diameter of 2 inches or less. A service line and connection may consist of multiple plumbing material types including copper, galvanized iron, lead or plastic.
In PW’s system, service lines from the main to the water meter are owned by PW. The rest of the service line is owned by the property owner.
If Paducah Water finds a lead line or connection on either side of your water meter, we will promptly notify you and inform you of best practices to minimize the potential for lead exposure in your home or business. In addition, if you have a “lead-affected” service line (such as a galvanized iron line that is downstream of a lead line) we will work with you to identify opportunities to perform a full lead service line replacement that includes replacement of the entire service line from your house/structure to the water main.
The answer to this question depends upon a number of variables. The potential for lead exposure depends on the types of materials your drinking water is in contact with, and the age of those materials. Although you may not have a lead service line, faucets and household plumbing (i.e. valves, fittings, connectors) may be constructed of materials that contain lead depending on the year of manufacture. That is why PW’s corrosion control program is closely monitored to minimize the lead exposure for all customers, not just those customers that may have lead service lines.
Generally speaking, household faucets, valves and plumbing purchased after 1986 will provide a lower risk of exposure. Please contact our Water Quality Supervisor to discuss your potential risk for lead exposure here.