FOLSOM, Calif. — Folsom is asking its residents to complete a survey if their house was built before 1986 to identify whether or not they have lead pipes. Lead in drinking water can in some cases lead to health problems.
As part of an effort required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water (DDW), Folsom is identifying lead service lines in its water system, the city said.
Pipe corrosion can sometimes allow lead to enter drinking water, according to the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC). Consumption can create behavior and learning problems, hearing problems or anemia in children and harmful cardiovascular effects, decreased kidney function or reproductive problems in adults, the EPA said. In pregnant women, lead consumption could cause reduced growth of the fetus or premature birth.
According to the city’s survey, water service lines likely made of lead are metal ones that:
- Are silver or gray.
- Are hard to scratch with a dull appearance.
- Are soft and easy to scratch with a shiny appearance.
- Cannot hold or stick a refrigerator magnet.
“The city’s drinking water is lead-free when it leaves the water treatment plant,” Folsom wrote on its website. “However, water can absorb lead through pipes if it flows through a property containing lead pipes.”
Folsom only maintains the water service line from the water main to the water meter, and each home and business owner is responsible for the portion of the service line from the water meter to the property and inside the property, the city said.
The EPA banned the use of lead materials, pipe and solder, for potable water distribution in 1986, and California enforced the ban starting on July 1, 1986, according to the city.
“The pipe type of interest is the service line from the water meter up to the property shut-off valve,” Folsom said. “The city does not need to know the pipe material inside your property.”
The best place to look for lead pipes is near where the water service line enters a property, and this is typically located near the water shut-off valve, according to Folsom. Residents can contact the city at 916-461-6177 regarding their potential lead “main supply pipe.”
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