Atascadero Mutual Water Company
Serving the colony since 1913
LeaD SERVICE LINE INFO
What is the Lead Ban?
In 1986 Congress Amended the Safe Drinking Water Act, prohibiting the use of pipes, solder or flux that were not “lead free” in public water systems or plumbing in facilities providing water for human consumption. 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%.
How can lead enter my drinking water?
In some cases, lead can enter drinking water through buried pipes that come into your home. These pipes are called ''lead service lines.'' Service lines are the sections of pipe used to connect a home to the main water line. Lead can leach from these pipes into tap water. In homes served by a lead service line, the service line is the most significant source of lead in drinking water.
How can I determine if my service line or tap water has lead?
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Inspect your home's pipes and fittings
You may have lead service lines if they are grey, appear silvery when easily scratched with a key, and a magnet does not stick to them.
What can I do now to keep my family safe?
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If you are worried about your child being exposed to lead from water or other sources, ask their doctor for a blood lead test.
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Flush pipes that have not been used for more than 6 hours until the water feels very cold. To save water, collect the running water and use it to water plants not intended for eating.
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Use only cold water for drinking, cooking, and baby formula. If water needs to be heated, use cold tap water and heat on the stove or in a microwave. Hot tap water is more likely to have lead in it. Boiling water does not remove lead.
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Consider using a water filter registered to treat lead (This web page provides an overview of water filters. You may click on the link for lead filters to download an Excel spreadsheet listing the specific filters that treat lead. When shopping for a water filter, choose one with a model or registration number that is included on the spreadsheet). Learn how to identify filters certified to reduce lead (PDF) by the certification marks on the packaging. When lead service lines are replaced, utilities will provide residents with a water filter and instructions to flush their pipes.
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Periodically clean your water faucet's aerator (screen) to remove contaminants.
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