In light of the recent water crisis in Flint, Michigan, lead infiltrating the water supply has become an issue at the forefront in people’s minds. Unfortunately, not enough people are informed enough about the issue, including how it happened, how to know if it’s happening to you, and what you can do about it. Here are answers to those important questions.
How It Happens
Prior to 1986, the pipes, fixtures, and solder involved in plumbing were made of lead because of all other buildings.
In 1986, the Safe Drinking Water Act helped reduced the amount of affecting the water supply.
In addition to lead pipes in the plumbing, metal faucets that are made of brass can also corrode, leading to lead entering the water. The type of water can also play a role in the corrosion process. For instance, soft water is more corrosive than hard water, and hot water will do lead in it. If you or a family member experience symptoms of lead poisoning, it’s important to visit a doctor. This is particularly important for children, who are more vulnerable to lead toxicity. However, symptoms may not surface immediately, and most are also common with other conditions, making them water supply. Every public water provider is required to share its latest report upon request. They are also required to notify the public if a samples for testing. When the results are in, you should know the lead concentration in your water compared to the safe drinking standard, exposed to lead.
It’s important to keep in mind that you should only flush with a few gallons of water per day.
Distillation units are another possibility. The downside is that they are limited in how much water they can claims of some products.
The sad truth with lead-contaminated water is that there is no perfect solution. At its worse, it’s a harmful and dangerous occurrence that can threaten your health and well-being. At its best, lead in the water supply is a major inconvenience. Hopefully, the answers to these questions will help you if lead in the water every becomes a problem for you.
