FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ole Ahlstrom
May 10, 2018 541-450-6118
oahlstrom@grantspassoregon.gov
City of Grants Pass encourages households to identify, eliminate lead pipes, plumbing
(Grants Pass, OR) – As Drinking Water Week continues, the City of Grants Pass joins the American Water Works Association in encouraging consumers to identify and eliminate lead service lines and lead in home plumbing.
Lead presents health concerns for people of all ages, particularly pregnant women, infants and young children. If consumers live in homes where lead is in contact with drinking water, they may be at risk of exposure.
A study from the Association showed that lead service lines might be present in between six and 10 million homes in the United States. Water providers adjust water chemistry to reduce the potential that lead will dissolve into water and households can take steps to reduce possible exposure. Still, AWWA advises that lead be removed where possible.
Households can find out more about their water quality by having it tested by a certified laboratory. To determine if lead is present in pipes or plumbing, homeowners or tenants can consult with a licensed plumber or contact one of the two local water laboratories in Grants Pass. If lead components are found, it is recommended that households explore options for replacing them.
More information about lead in drinking water is available on DrinkTap.org.