Lead is a naturally occurring element found in small amounts in the earth’s crust. While it has some beneficial uses, like its pliability and resistance to leaks which were useful in plumbing, it can be toxic to humans and animals, if ingested.

A service line carries water from the water main beneath a street to individual properties. The portion of the service line from the water main to the property line is called the “public side,” and is owned and maintained by GCWW. The portion from the property line to the water meter is called the “private side,” and is owned and maintained by the property owner. GCWW currently has funding to replace private side lead lines at no cost to customers. Pipes made from galvanized steel may also contain lead.

Lead can leach into water over time when plumbing materials corrode. The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes, faucets, and fixtures. Lead pipes are more likely to be found in older homes built before 1986. GCWW treats its water to prevent the leaching of lead from pipes. The only 100% safe method, however, is to remove lead lines from service.

You can’t see, taste, or smell lead in water, so the only way to know for sure is to have it tested. You may contact GCWW for a free sampling kit if you suspect your water may contain high levels of lead.

The more time water has been sitting unused in your home’s pipes, the more lead it may contain. Before drinking water, you can flush your pipes by running the tap for at least 30 seconds. Only use cold water for cooking, drinking, and making baby formula as hot water dissolves lead more quickly than cold water. Also, aerators on faucets should be cleaned regularly. Aerators are small attachments to faucet tips which regulate water flow. Your aerator can accumulate lead particles which can contaminate your water.

Lead is a toxic metal that can cause long-term effects if it builds up in the body over many years, including brain and kidney damage. Additionally, infants and young children are particularly vulnerable because the effects occur at lower exposure levels. Exposure has also been linked to premature birth and low birth weight for infants and to nerve damage, learning disabilities and impaired hearing in children. In adults, it has been linked to high blood pressure, as well as joint and muscle pain.

Health experts agree there is no safe level of exposure to lead. Even though the EPA says you can’t absorb lead through your skin while showering or bathing in lead-contaminated water, you shouldn’t drink it, cook with it, use it to brush your teeth, or make baby formula with it.

No. While water may be a source of exposure to lead in houses and buildings, lead-based paint, dust, contaminated soil, lead-glazed pottery, and some toys and jewelry may also contain lead. Lead-based paint and lead-containing toys pose a significant risk, especially for young children.

GCWW replaces lead and galvanized steel pipes using a phased approach to improve efficiency. We replace lines at all child care facilities; in areas where water main replacement projects are occurring; at individual properties where lead service lines are leaking or test high for lead; and in targeted areas using a prioritization computer model. All lead lines within GCWW’s will eventually be replaced.