BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Recently, some Starke water customers received letters from the city stating that their service lines are or may have been connected to pipes made of lead, thereby increasing their risk of exposure to lead in their drinking water.
Drew Mullins, Starke’s general manager for utilities, said lead service lines were historically installed by water utilities across the country, and there is now a nationwide effort to replace lead with safer material.
The letters were sent in response to an Environmental Protection Agency requirement to notify customers if their service line contains lead; a galvanized metal that may have absorbed lead from a connected line; or is made of an unknown material. The letters are intended to inform customers of the health risks of lead exposure and provide steps to reduce exposure.
The following statement was included in the letters:
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.
Not surprisingly, the letters resulted in a few phone calls to city hall. Mullins compiled some of the common questions and provided some answers.
Q: “What does this mean?”
A: The EPA and DEP has required all cities and towns to check residential lines for possible galvanized lines. This study was done over the summer. Galvanized lines were installed decades ago as the primary service lines to homes. Under the EPA rule, they state because of the use of galvanized metal pipes, there may be an increased chance of lead from your pipes. Newer construction, beginning in the 1980s, used PVC and poly materials for water lines.
Q: “Who determined that?”
A: Over the summer, the required study was conducted by physically going to residential homes to check the service line.
Q: “Is the city going to replace my metal line?”
A: At present, we cannot. However, we will continue to inquire about funding opportunities for assistance to homeowners.
Q: “Do I have to replace it?”
A: While the EPA and DEP recommend homeowners replace their service lines, it is up to the individual homeowners whether they replace their line.
Q: “What is the city doing about this overall?”
A: We are continually seeking and obtaining grants and loans to replace, rehabilitate and extend all infrastructure throughout the city.
Q: “Is the city water safe to drink?”
A: Yes. We follow DEP’s regulations on treatment of water. We also conduct the required field testing of the water.
Q: “What is galvanized pipe?”
A: It is a specific type of metal that was primarily used in the 20th century for water lines. The life span is between 40-50 years.
Q: “I have a letter that said my lines were of unknown material. What does that mean?”
A: It means that the pipe could be cast iron, PVC, PEX (plastic).
Q: “Will you test my water?”
A: Yes. You may call 904-964-5027 and we will take samples. Alternatively, you may contact a certified laboratory to have your water tested for lead. A list of certified laboratories is available at https://floridadep.gov/dear/florida-dep-laboratory/content/nelap-certified-laboratory-search.
The letter also includes steps to reduce lead in drinking water, including:
—use a filter.
—clean the aerators (screens) in your faucets where lead and other particles can collect.
—use cold water to drink, cook and prepare baby formula. Lead dissolves more easily in hot water, and boiling water does not remove it.
—run your water to flush your pipes. Water standing in pipes has more time to absorb lead. Flushing can include showering, doing laundry or washing dishes.
The city can test your water for lead (904-964-5027). A physician or the health department (904-964-7732) can provide information about blood tests for lead exposure.
The city owns the water mains and the service lines that connect to water meters. It can provide information about efforts to replace older infrastructure.
Property owners are responsible for lines connecting water meters to their homes or offices. The city can provide information about how to identify the material making up those lines as well as financing solutions for replacing those lines if needed.
For more information on reducing lead exposure, visit EPA’s website at http://www.epa.gov/lead.
