San Antonio Residents Urged to Help Identify Lead Water Pipes
Hey there, San Antonio! It might be time to roll up your sleeves and take a closer look at those water pipes in your home. The San Antonio Water System (SAWS) is reaching out to local residents to help with an important mission: identifying homes that may still have lead water pipes.
Why All the Fuss About Lead?
You may remember news about the lead water crisis in Flint, Michigan, which occurred nearly a decade ago. Since then, regulations have tightened, and now, our very own SAWS has launched a campaign to ensure that San Antonio’s water is on the up-and-up. According to Kirstin Eller, SAWS’ Potable Water Quality Supervisor, “Any amount of lead in drinking water is unsafe, and it’s especially dangerous for children.” Lead exposure can lead to serious health issues, including damage to the nervous system and learning disabilities.
What’s Happening?
This month, 300,000 SAWS customers received letters warning them about the potential for lead in their water lines. With over 600,000 customer service lines in the area, and more than half of those having unidentified materials, SAWS is facing a monumental task. They need your help!
Can You Help?
If your home was built before 1989, it may be at risk because lead pipes were banned in the U.S. starting in that year. But don’t worry! If you live in an older home, SAWS is allowing homeowners to register online for a free inspection. All you have to do is visit their website!
Inspection Process
Now, this doesn’t mean the SAWS team is just going to show up unannounced. Instead, they might need to conduct physical inspections at homes, which could include:
- Digging holes to explore the service lines
- Inspecting the meter box for signs of lead
- Investigating exposed pipes in crawl spaces
But fret not! If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, you can inspect your home yourself, or hire a licensed plumber to do it for you. Once you know what you’re dealing with, you’ll need to submit some documents to SAWS to help them build an inventory of service line materials.
What’s the Overall Goal?
SAWS is taking these steps in line with new requirements set forth by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which are especially important for ensuring safe drinking water in the wake of past crises. In fact, Texas is among the top five states with drinking water coming from lead pipes, with a staggering 647,640 lead service lines reported as of 2023. That’s a lot of pipes that could potentially pose a risk!
Looking Ahead
So, San Antonio, let’s come together and make sure our water is clean and safe for everyone. Whether you check your pipes yourself or reach out for some professional help, your actions can contribute to this crucial effort. And remember, homes built after 1989 are generally considered safe from lead pipes, so those of you in newer homes can breathe a sigh of relief!
In closing, this isn’t just about compliance – it’s about ensuring the health and safety of our community members. So let’s get started on this important project, because a few minutes of checking could mean a lifetime of health benefits for you and your family!
