Get the Lead Out with These Five Tips

Get the Lead Out with These Five Tips

October 22–28 is Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, and at Aqua, we’re committed to providing our customers with the most reliable and safe water service possible.

According to the EPA, many homes built before 1978 contain lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust. Sometimes, this contamination can spread to other parts of your home, including your water sources, which is why we want to arm you with knowledge and tips that can help prevent lead exposure.

Here are five actions you can take to decrease the possibility of potential lead exposure for you and your loved ones.

USE A FILTER THAT FOLLOWS NSF STANDARDS.

The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) has a consumer guide for homeowners that may be affected by lead poisoning that contains information about appropriate filters. Using a filter is also a good preventative measure for customers living in homes that were built before 1978 or that contain non-plastic plumbing installed before 1986.

CHANGE THE SCREEN ON YOUR FAUCET REGULARLY.

Regularly changing the screen (sometimes referred to as aerator) on your faucets can help reduce lead build-up and provide better water flow. For an easy how-to guide on replacing your aerator, click here.

BUY A HOME TESTING KIT.

For as little as $20, you can test your water source for lead with a lead poisoning detection kit. If you’d rather leave it to the pros, call Aqua at 877.987.2782 to schedule a technician visit to your home for testing.

REPLACE YOUR PIPELINE IF IT IS MADE OF LEAD.

Lead pipelines can be distinguished by scratching a section of pipe that is connected to your water meter. Scratch the section of the pipe with a coin; if the paint comes off easily and looks like the color of a nickel, it could be lead. If so, call a plumber to switch out your lead piping with another material.

CONTACT AQUA IMMEDIATELY IF YOU SUSPECT A POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.

If you suspect a lead contamination in your water source, contact us at 877.987.2782 to schedule a time for a technician to visit to your home for testing. For more information about testing details, contact a customer service representative at the same number.

Taking the time to recognize the potential sources of lead will better equip you and your family to prevent exposure. We hope that these tips will educate and prepare you and your loved ones in the case of a lead poisoning emergency.