Tips to Reduce Exposure to Lead

IMPORTANT HEALTH INFORMATION FOR HOMEOWNERS WITH LEAD PLUMBING:

The Lehigh County Authority water main system is virtually lead-free. If your home is connected to a Lehigh County Authority (LCA) water main by a service line that has sections made from lead, a toxic metal, or galvanized material, it can impact your health. Follow the steps below to clean out your home’s plumbing until lead plumbing is replaced. Lead is harmful to everyone. Pregnant women and their unborn babies, infants and children under the age of six, and adults with high blood pressure and kidney problems are at the most risk.

IF YOU HAVE LEAD OR GALVANIZED PIPES: Take steps to reduce the risk of lead exposure by following the steps outlined below.

Use a Certified Filter Product to Remove Lead:

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 the cartridge and when to replace it. Pitchers with a filter cartridge are one option. Using the cartridge after it has expired can make it less effective at removing lead. Be sure to read the instructions provided for the filter product. *Do not run hot water through the filter.

Daily Rinsing:

Run cold water from your tap for at least three minutes. After that you will have fresh water from the LCA water main that is safe for drinking, cooking, making baby formula, feeding your pets, making ice, or watering vegetable gardens.

You can also bring in fresh water from the LCA water main by taking a shower, washing dishes, using the clothes washer, or flushing the toilets first.

Clean Faucet Aerators:

Graphic showing a faucet aerator's parts.

An aerator is a device or screen attached to the tip of a faucet. It saves water, filters out debris, and prevents water from splashing. As water flows through the screen, it mixes with air and flows more evenly. As water stands in your home’s plumbing, lead from the soldered joints and old lead or galvanized pipes can get into your water.

It is important to clean faucet aerators and screens to remove any debris that has built up. Clean all faucet screens once a month for 6 months, then twice a year, spring, and fall. It is best to replace screens each year. You can buy them at your local hardware or home improvement store.

Instructions for Cleaning Aerators: If your faucet has an aerator that you can take off, follow these easy steps:

  • Place a rag in the sink drain in case you drop any pieces.
  • If you need to use a wrench or pliers, wrap masking tape around the tips of the wrench or pliers, or on the aerator. Using tape will keep you from scratching it.
  • Unscrew the aerator.
  • Separate each part—aerator housing, aerator, and rubber washer.
  • Remove small bits on the screen and other parts.
  • Soak the parts in white vinegar for a few minutes.
  • Scrub them with a brush.
  • If the aerator and rubber washer are in poor condition, replace them.
  • Put the aerator parts back together.
  • Screw the aerator back onto the faucet.
  • Repeat these steps for all faucets.

Have Water Tested for Lead:

Customers can have their water tested for lead by any certified laboratory. Learn more about water testing on the PA DEP website.

Unknown Pipe Material: If your service line pipe material is unknown and LCA inspects it, we will provide free water testing. Schedule a pipe inspection.

Replace Service Lines Made of Lead or Galvanized Material:

Lehigh County Authority is working to remove service lines made of lead and galvanized material connected to the water system. It will take years to remove them, but we are committed to protecting public health and getting the lead out! Customers will be notified when a project is scheduled in their neighborhood.

Homeowners may choose to replace service lines on their own. If you do so, please notify LCA before construction begins at cityservice@lehighcountyauthority.org.