At Pacific PUD, the safety and quality of your drinking water are utmost priorities. We want to assure you that we conduct regular testing for lead on both the PUD side of the meter and the customer side of the meter across all three water systems that we own and operate. In all three systems, tests on the PUD side of the meter have always resulted in a 'lead free' status. Despite lead naturally occurring in the environment, natural occurrence has never been considered a source of lead in our drinking water.
So, where does lead come from?
While lead does not come from the water source or distribution system, most of the lead contamination in drinking water arises from the dissolving of lead from pipes and fixtures within the home plumbing in a chemical reaction known as corrosion.
What are the common sources of lead in drinking water?
Lead Pipes, Faucets, and Fixtures: Corrosion of lead pipes, faucets, and fixtures can be a source of lead contamination. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead plumbing materials, as lead-free materials were not required for plumbing at that time.
Service Lines: The pipe connecting the home to the water main, known as the service line, may also contain lead in some instances. However, lead pipes within Pacific PUD's service territory are less common compared to other regions in the USA.
Solder and Brass Fittings: Lead can also be present in the solder used to connect copper piping, as well as in older brass fittings and faucets.
How can I reduce my potential exposure to lead in drinking water?
Use Filtration Systems: Consider installing water filtration systems designed to remove lead from drinking water. These systems can effectively filter water used for drinking and cooking.
Use Cold Water: Use only cold water for drinking and cooking purposes. Hot water is more likely to leach lead from plumbing materials.
Flush Pipes: Before using water for drinking or cooking, run the tap for a few minutes to flush out any stagnant water and reduce the concentration of lead in the pipes.
Pacific PUD is committed to providing the highest quality drinking water well within all safety limits established by regulatory authorities. If you have any questions or concerns regarding our water testing procedures or results, or you are just looking for some assistance with lead testing or mitigation, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. More information about drinking water can be found on EPA's website by clicking the image above.