Lead and Copper
Lead in Drinking Water
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates lead in drinking water via the Lead and Copper Rule. The rule requires utilities to test tap water from a sampling of homes with lead plumbing. Lead levels must be below 15 parts per billion (ppb) for 90% of the samples tested. Berkeley County Water and Sanitation meets all EPA standards for lead in water and is committed to monitoring for lead at the tap, replacing lead service pipes in its system, and helping customers identify lead sources on their property.
How does lead get into drinking water?
There is no lead in in our drinking water sources. Berkeley County Water and Sanitation (BCWS) purchases all its water from wholesale suppliers that monitor the drinking water and ensures it complies with all EPA regulations. Lead contamination enters drinking water primarily due to the corrosion, or wearing away, of materials containing lead in customer-owned water service lines and household plumbing. Typical materials that contain lead include solder, brass plumbing fixtures, chrome-plated brass faucets, pipes, and pipe fittings. The Safe Drinking Water Act of 1986 banned the use of lead solder containing more than 0.2 percent lead and restricted the lead content in plumbing materials to eight percent. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead solder, pipes, and fixtures.
How to protect from lead in drinking water
BCWS is currently identifying and eliminating public-owned lead service lines throughout the system. Property owners are responsible for identifying and removing any lead services lines (on the private side) or plumbing materials servicing their homes. The replacement of the private side of the service line is not mandated by the current EPA regulation but is highly encouraged. In most cases, the public side of the service line extends from the water main to the meter (including the box and meter) or the curb stop. The Private (Homeowner) side of the service line extends from the meter box or curb stop to the building or structure served by the water service.
If a lead service line is identified, BCWS will contact the customer, provide them with information on the hazards of lead exposure and how to minimize that exposure and coordinate to replace the service line. It is desired to replace both the public and private side of the service line at the same time.
Identifying service line material
EPA has developed an online step-by-step guide to help people identify lead pipes in their homes called Protect Your Tap: A Quick Check for Lead. It is available at: https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/protect-your-tap-quick-check-lead.
If the plumbing in your home is accessible, you may be able to inspect your own plumbing. Otherwise, call your water provider or hire a plumber.
Lead service lines are generally a dull gray color and are very soft. You can identify them easily by carefully scratching with a key. If the pipe is made of lead, the area you’ve scratched will turn a bright silver color. Do not use a knife or other sharp instrument and take care not to puncture a hole in the pipe. Lead service lines can be connected to the residential plumbing using solder and have a characteristic solder “bulb” at the end, a compression fitting, or other connector made of galvanized iron or brass/bronze.
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 worsen existing learning and behavior problems. The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased risk of these negative health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, and kidney, or nervous system problems.
Steps you can take to reduce lead in drinking water
Below are recommended actions that you may take, separately or in combination, if you are concerned about lead in your drinking water. The list also includes where you may find more information and is not intended to be a complete list or to imply that all actions equally reduce lead in drinking water.
Use filters properly. Using a filter can reduce lead in drinking water. If you use a filter, it should be certified to remove lead. Read any directions provided with the filter to learn how to properly install, maintain, and use your cartridge and when to replace it. Using the cartridge after it has expired can make it less effective at removing lead. Do not run hot water through the filter. For more information on facts and advice on home water filtration systems, see EPA’s https://www.epa.gov/water-research/consumer-tool-identifying-point-use-and-pitcher-filters-certified-reduce-lead.
Clean your aerator. Regularly clean your faucet’s screen (also known as an aerator). Sediment, debris, and lead particles can collect in your aerator. If lead particles are caught in the aerator, lead can get into your water.
Use cold water. Do not use hot water from the tap for drinking, cooking, or making baby formula as lead dissolves more easily into hot water. Boiling water does not remove lead from water.
Run your water. The more time water has been sitting in pipes providing water to your home, the more lead it may contain. Before drinking, flush your home’s pipes by running the tap, taking a shower, doing laundry, or doing a load of dishes. The amount of time to run the water will depend on whether your home has a lead service line or not, as well as the length and diameter of the service line and the amount of plumbing in your home. [Include tailored flushing information, if appropriate, or add following language] Residents may contact us at [phone number and/or email address] for recommendations about flushing times in their community.
Learn what your service line material is. Contact us at 843-572-4400 or a licensed plumber to determine if the pipe that connects your home to the water main (called a service line) is made from lead, galvanized, or other materials. Protect Your Tap: A quick check for lead is EPA’s on-line step by step guide to learn how to find lead pipes in your home.
Have your water tested. You may contact a certified laboratory to have your water tested for lead. Note, a water sample may not adequately capture or represent all sources of lead that may be present. For information on sources of lead that include service lines and interior plumbing, please visit https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water#getinto.
Get your child tested to determine lead levels in their blood
Although there is no confirmation of having a lead service line, you may wish to speak with a healthcare provider to see if your child’s blood lead level is elevated and/or if there is a need for blood testing, if you are concerned about potential exposure. Please visit https://www.cdc.gov/lead-prevention/hcp/clinical-guidance/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/advisory/acclpp/actions-blls.htm for information on these actions.
For more information on reducing lead exposure from your drinking water and the health effects of lead, visit EPA’s website at http://www.epa.gov/lead.