San Antonio Residents Urged to Check Plumbing for Potential Lead Contamination in Water Lines

San Antonio Customers Warned About Potential Lead in Water Lines

In a recent announcement, residents of San Antonio are being urged to check their plumbing following reports of possible lead contamination in water pipes. If your home was built before 1989 or if there’s no available record of its construction year, listen up! The San Antonio Water System (SAWS) has sent out notifications notifying affected customers about the potential presence of lead in their water service lines.

What’s the Big Deal About Lead?

According to Robert Puente, the president and CEO of SAWS, it’s crucial to take this matter seriously. “Since 1989, lead was outlawed,” he said during a press briefing. This means any property built before this year could possibly have lead pipes, which can pose serious health risks. “The federal government, through the EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency), has asked that we inventory all of the homes,” he explained.

SAWS is taking proactive steps by reaching out to approximately 300,000 customers. So how can you find out if you might be affected? Let’s dig into the details!

What You Need to Know

The focus here is on the service lines that connect you, the customer, to the water main running in the street. Yes, these lines are owned by you. If you’re unsure about the condition or material of your pipes, SAWS is offering to inspect homes and businesses. All you have to do is reach out—they’ve got your back!

Starting in January of 2025, SAWS will offer free testing of customer water lines, and inspections could lead into 2026 or beyond. Of course, while you’re waiting for SAWS to assist you, why not take some initiative?

Search Your Home for Lead

Begin by performing a simple visual inspection of your service line. If your pipe is a metal one, gently wipe away the dirt. If it looks shiny, you might be dealing with steel. But if it appears dull—well, that could be lead! Kirstin Eller, Potable Water Quality Supervisor for SAWS, demonstrated that lead pipes have a very soft texture, which is a telltale sign.

Feeling adventurous? Try a magnet test. Grab a strong fridge magnet, and if it doesn’t stick, that pipe may not be iron or steel. However, it could also be copper, which can be identified if you scratch off the surface and expose that shiny copper color—just like a new penny!

Don’t Panic; There Are Solutions!

For those who are genuinely concerned, simple filtration systems, even pitcher filters, are quite effective at removing metals from your drinking water. SAWS recommends checking the labels on filter packaging to ensure you’re getting the protection you need.

If replacing your service line becomes necessary, be prepared—it could cost around $25,000. Who knew home ownership came with such surprises? But, hold on, before you start stressing, Puente reassured customers, “Our water is very safe. We got it.” So, there’s no immediate reason to stop using your tap water if you received one of those notices.

Stay Informed and Reach Out

For residents eager to verify their water lines, you can call the SAWS Lead Line at 210-233-2212 or email them at lead@saws.org. Share photos of your piping and let’s get to the bottom of this together!

Remember, knowledge is power! Over the coming months, take the time to inform yourself about your home’s plumbing, and don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance. Stay safe, San Antonio!