Most people across the United States probably don’t think twice about the dangers that could be lurking as they drink their water straight from the tap. But the water crisis that happened in Flint, Michigan, brought into the public eye the potential for lead pipes to create a public health hazard. The problem in Flint started with the city tried to save money by changing the drinking water supply to the Flint River. City officials did not treat the water properly, which lead to highly corrosive water leaching lead from the pipe infrastructure. This lead to water contamination for thousands of Flint residents.
You might be wondering, how much lead is safe in drinking water?
The fact is that no amount of lead in drinking water is safe. Lead poisoning, whether it comes from water or paint chips, can cause serious health problems—and infants and children are particularly vulnerable.
The History of Lead Pipes
If you have a home that was built before 1970, you could have lead pipes. Lead has been used in plumbing since plumbing was invented, but people began to suspect poisoning in humans as early as the late nineteenth century. By the 1920s, the use of lead started to be restricted but it wasn’t until the 1970s that lead pipes in plumbing was completely banned.
Why Lead Pipes Are Dangerous
It might surprise many people to learn that the lead pipes themselves are not dangerous. The danger comes from the type of water that runs through them. Certain acids or minerals on some water can corrode pipes as it runs through them, causing lead to get into the water. Other reasons lead gets into drinking water includes:
- The temperature of the water, with hotter temperatures leading to corrosion
- The amount of wear in the pipes
- How long the water is sitting in the pipes
- The presence of coating inside the pipes
Any of these can happen in the lead plumbing that runs into your home home or in the lead plumbing that run from the public lines into your home.
Removing Lead Pipes From Your Home
If you live in an older home and investigate your plumbing to look for lead and you find it, you will need to take action. The best solution is unfortunately also the most expensive: Remove all lead piping and replace it with lead-free piping such as PVC. Estimates for replacement plumbing will vary, but the job can cost as much as $15,000. It’s best not to try to piecemeal a solution but just replacing part of the plumbing. Lead particles will likely still contaminate the water, which can cause health concerns for your entire family.
Lead Pipe Testing in Gunnison
If you suspect you have lead pipes in your home, the safety of your family is on the line, so you must take immediate action. At SC Environmental, we can provide the testing you need to determine the quality of your water and whether it is contaminated with lead. Contact us for all of your water contamination needs!