IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT LEAD IN DRINKING WATER

Information in this brochure has been provided by the EPA for water suppliers to disseminate to their customers.

Contact Us:
38 Sandy Hollow Road
Port Washington, New York 11050
Hours of Operation: M-F, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
(516) 767-0171

Steps You Can Take to Reduce Your Exposure to Lead in Drinking Water:

Below are recommended actions that you may take, separately or in combination, if you are concerned about lead in your drinking water. The list is not intended to be a complete list or to imply that all actions equally reduce lead in drinking water.

  • Use your filter properly. 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 your cartridge and when to replace Using the cartridge after it has expired can make it less effective at removing lead. Do not run hot water through the filter. For more information on facts and advice on home water filtration systems, visit EPA’s website at https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and- drinking-water/home-drinking-water-filtration-fact-sheet.
  • Clean your aerator. Regularly remove and clean your faucet’s screen (also known as an aerator). aerator). Sediment, debris, and lead particles can collect in your If lead particles are caught in the aerator, lead can get into your water.
  • Use cold Do not use hot water from the tap for drinking, cooking, or making baby formula as lead dissolves more easily into hot water. Boiling water does not remove lead from water. Hot water has the potential to contain more lead than cold water. If hot water is needed, heat the water on the stove or in the microwave.
  • Run your water. The more time water has been sitting in your home’s pipes, the more lead it may contain. If the water in your faucet has gone unused for more than six hours, flush the tap with cold water for 5 minutes before drinking or using it to You can also flush your home’s pipes prior to drinking by taking a shower, doing laundry, or doing a load of dishes. The amount of time to run the water will depend on whether your home has a lead service line or not, as well as the length and diameter of the service line and the amount of plumbing in your home.

For more information, call us at (516) 767-0171, or visit our website at https://www.pwwd.org.

How Lead Gets into Drinking Water 

Lead can enter drinking water when plumbing materials that contain lead corrode, especially where the water has high acidity or low mineral content that corrodes pipes and fixtures. The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes, faucets, and fixtures. When water is in contact for several hours with pipes, service lines or plumbing that contains lead, the lead may enter drinking water. Lead pipes and/or lead solder are more likely to be found in older cities and homes built before 1986.

Among homes without lead service lines, the most common problem is with brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and plumbing with lead solder. Brass faucets, fittings, and valves, including those advertised as “lead-free”, may contribute lead to drinking water. The law currently allows pipes, fittings, and fixtures with up to 0.25% weighted average of lead to be identified as “lead-free.”

EPA estimates that up to 20% of a person’s potential exposure to lead may come from drinking water. Infants who consume mostly formula mixed with lead-containing water can receive 40 to 60% of their exposure to lead from drinking water.

For more information on reducing lead exposure from your drinking water and the health effects of lead, visit EPA’s website at https://www.epa.gov/lead.

For more information on reducing lead exposure around your home/building and the health effects of lead, visit EPA’s website at https://www.epa.gov/lead.

Health Effects of Lead

Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can lead to new learning and behavior problems or exacerbate existing learning and behavior problems. The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased risk of these adverse health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney or nervous system problems.

There is no safe level of lead in drinking water. Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups, especially pregnant people, infants (both formula-fed and breastfed), and young children. Some of the health effects to infants and children include decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can also result in new or worsened learning and behaviour problems. The children of persons who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy may be at increased risk of these harmful health effects. Adults have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney or nervous system problems. Contact your health care provider for more information about your risks.

Get Your Child Tested to Determine Lead Levels in their Blood

A family doctor or pediatrician can perform a blood test for lead and provide information about the health effects of lead. State or County Departments of Health can also provide information about how you can have your child’s blood tested for lead. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends public health actions when the level of lead in a child’s blood is 3.5 micrograms per deciLiter (µg/dL) or more.

For more information and links to CDC’s website, please visit https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water.

If you are still concerned about the health of your children, you may wish to have their blood tested for lead. Contact the Nassau County Department of Health at (516) 227-9665 for further information or contact your health care provider.

Our drinking water meets or exceeds state and federal regulations regarding water quality.

The Port Washington Water District regularly tests for lead at the end of its treatment process. Testing has shown that lead is not an issue in the water exiting any of our water treatment facilities. We also conduct testing in our distribution system in accordance with EPA regulatory requirements. Contact us to request to have your water tested.

Sources of Lead

Lead is a common metal found in the environment. Drinking water is one possible source of lead exposure. Other main sources of lead exposure include lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust or soil, and some plumbing materials. Lead can also be found in certain types of pottery, pewter, brass fixtures, food, and cosmetics. Other sources include exposure in the workplace and exposure from certain hobbies(lead can be carried on clothing or shoes). Lead is found in some toys, some playground equipment, and some children’s metal jewelry. Other sources of lead include lead paint, lead dust, and lead in soil. Wash your children’s hands and toys often as they can come into contact with dirt and dust containing lead.

Redrawn and modified from Guidance for Developing and Maintaining a Service Line Inventory, EPA, August 2022

Learn what your service line material is. Contact a licensed plumber to determine whether the pipes serving or within your home are made from lead, galvanized, lead solder or other materials. If you are planning on replacing the portion of the service line, please notify us.

This notice is brought to you by the Port Washington Water District

New York State Public Water System ID# NYS2912267