As required by the EPA, water systems with “unknown,” “lead,” or “Galvanized Needing Replacement” services lines must send public notices to affected customers by November 15, 2024. Letters will be mailed November 8, 2024 identifying whether your resident service line is classified as “unknown” or “lead.” This letter serves to notify you of this potential risk and provides information to help you reduce your risk of lead exposure.
To clarify, lead service lines does NOT equate to having lead in your water. The City of Springfield is still required to test regularly for water quality and submit to the state. If test results are abnormal, the city is required to inform its constituents of affected water quality.
The City of Springfield’s water is scale forming which means it contains dissolved compounds of calcium and magnesium. These dissolved compounds line the inside of the pipes. This lining protects lead from leaching into the water from the service lines.
Steps you can take to reduce your exposure to lead in your water include:
- Running you water to flush out lead. If the tap hasn’t been used in several hours, run water for 15-30 seconds to flush lead from interior plumbing or until it becomes cold or reaches a steady temperature before using it for drinking or cooking.
- Use cold water for cooking and preparing baby formula. Lead dissolves more easily into hot water. Do not use water from the hot water tap to cook, drink or make baby formula.
- Do not boil water to remove lead. Boiling water will not reduce lead.
- Look for alternative water sources or treatment options. You may want to consider purchasing bottled water or a water treatment filter/device. Ensure any filter/devise is NSF-approved to remove lead (labeled NSF/ANSI-53). Be sure to maintain or replace any filter/device in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions to protect water quality.
- If you are concerned about exposure, contact your local health department or healthcare provider to find out how you can get your child tested for lead.
For more information on reducing lead exposure around your home/ building and the health effects of lead, visit EPA’s website at www.epa.gov/lead or contact your healthcare provider.