Reducing exposure to lead in Albany

1. Removal of lead components

Distribution System

After the Lead and Copper Rule was published, Albany implemented a systematic approach to remove all known lead connections from the public water distribution system. While Albany does not have lead service lines like Flint, Michigan and other parts of the country do, Albany does have some lead pigtails (sometimes known as goosenecks) that were used in the early 1900s to connect the main water line to the customer’s service line.  These short lead pipes were used because they could be easily bent and allowed for a flexible connection between the rigid pipes. Unfortunately, records on where these lead pigtails were initially installed and later removed are not available.  

The situation in Flint raised questions among City staff as to whether all lead pigtails had been removed in that initial effort in the early 1990s. To find out, we searched the records that are available to identify galvanized pipes, to which, our experience tells us, lead pigtails were often connected. To add to the challenge, the pigtails are most often located under the street and cannot be seen at the meter. As a result, the galvanized service lines in question were put on a list for the water distribution crew to “pothole” or dig down to the main where the service line connects to check. When a lead pigtail is found, it is removed immediately.   We are pleased to report the project was completed in 2017 with a total of 109 services investigated resulting in 70 lead pigtails found and removed.

Schools

Albany Public Works staff conducted a review of the materials used in connecting local schools to the public water system in September 2016. We are pleased to report we found no lead pigtails used on the school service lines. However, a number of older water meters that may contain some lead were still in use. All of these meters were replaced in 2016 and 2017. The Greater Albany Public School District (GAPS) tested the schools drinking water faucets for lead. Results of the school testing is on the GAPS website here.

Public Buildings

City administrators developed a plan to test City-owned public buildings that have the greatest frequency of use by the public or which were constructed at a time when lead solder and fixtures were used.  Testing was completed at the following buildings between July 27 and August 31, 2016:

Fixtures above the lead action level of 15 ppb were replaced with lead-free fixtures and then retested. Retest results are shown in bold above.

2. Application of Corrosion Control Treatment

Operators in Albany’s two water treatment plants use chemicals to adjust the pH and alkalinity of water entering the distribution system to make it less likely to corrode plumbing components in the homes we serve. The Oregon Health Authority requires us to maintain a minimum pH of 7.8 in the drinking water to optimize corrosion control treatment.  We monitor pH on a continuous basis at the treatment plants and within the distribution system to assure the treatment system is working properly.

3. Ongoing Lead/Copper Testing and System Upgrades

When the Lead and Copper Rule went into effect, Public Works staff identified homes that were built between 1983 and 1985, considered by the EPA to be at higher risk of lead and copper corrosion because of plumbing materials that were used at that time. Staff began sampling 60 homes every six months in 1992, as the Rule requires. Based on our past sampling history, the Oregon Health Authority allowed Albany to reduce sampling to 30 homes once every three years. The City of Albany fully complies with all state and federal regulations for lead and copper testing.  You can review the City’s test results, along with any other public water system in the state, by visiting the Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Service Water Online website at https://yourwater.oregon.gov/. You can also view our annual Water Quality Reports here.

While the Lead and Copper Rule applies to utilities, the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act sets standards for the amount of lead allowed in pipe, plumbing fittings, fixtures, solder, and flux.  In January 2014, the Act was amended to reduce the allowable lead content in these components from 8% to 0.25% or less.  All system components purchased and installed in the City of Albany Water System since this amendment are in compliance.

Run your water to flush out lead

If water has not been used for several hours, such as in the morning or after returning from work or school, run taps for 30 seconds to 2 minutes, or until it becomes colder, before cooking or drinking. This will flush water that has been sitting in pipes. (Conservation tip: If you run sprinklers, wash a load of laundry or shower first, you will not need to run the tap as long. Or, consider catching the flushed tap water for plants or some other household use such as cleaning.) 

Periodically remove and clean the faucet screen / aerator

Particles containing lead from solder or household plumbing can become trapped in your faucet aerator. Occasional cleaning will remove these particles and reduce your exposure to lead. 

Always use cold water for cooking and drinking

Lead dissolves more easily into hot water, so don’t use water from the hot water tap to make baby formula or for cooking or drinking. 

Consider buying low-lead faucets

As of January 2014, all pipes, fittings and fixtures are required to contain less than 0.25% lead, which is termed “lead-free.” In addition to seeking out products with the lowest lead content, fixtures with the WaterSense label will maximize water savings.

Consider investing in a filter

Before you buy, confirm that the filter reduces lead – not all filters do. Remember that bacteria and other contaminants can collect in filters if not properly maintained, making water quality worse, not better. For water filter performance standards, contact NSF International at 1-800-673-8010.

Do not boil water to remove lead

Boiling water will not reduce lead.