Lead & Galvanized Water Service Information
Friday, April 11, 2025
Scott Kwick, Public Works Director
Lead & Galvanized Water Service Information
The City of Altoona is committed to protecting your health and ensuring safe drinking water for all residents. Our goal is to remove all potential sources of lead from the water system. To reduce the risk of lead entering drinking water, we treat our water by adjusting its pH, which helps prevent metal transferring from pipes into water. Importantly, the City of Altoona has not identified any lead service lines on the property side to date, though some properties may have galvanized pipes that were once connected to lead lines.
If you received a notice regarding your service line being galvanized or of unknown material, please review the information below and take appropriate action.
🔎 Why You Received a Notice
Your property may have:
- A galvanized service line that is or was downstream of a lead pipe.
- An unknown material service line, which might be lead or galvanized previously connected to lead.
These lines can contribute to lead in drinking water and pose health risks, especially for young children and pregnant women.
⚠️ Health Risks of Lead
Lead exposure in drinking water can lead to:
- Developmental delays and behavioral problems in children.
- Increased risks of high blood pressure, kidney issues, and heart disease in adults.
- Greater risks for unborn children if mothers are exposed during pregnancy.
More info: CDC Lead Exposure Actions
🛠️ How to Reduce Lead in Your Drinking Water
You can take several steps to reduce potential exposure to lead in your water:
1. Use a Certified Filter
- Choose a filter certified under NSF Standard 53 to remove lead.
- Always follow manufacturer instructions and replace filters on time.
- Don't use hot water through filters.
- EPA Filter Guide
2. Clean Faucet Aerators
- Lead particles can collect in faucet screens. Clean them regularly.
3. Run Your Water
- Let the tap run (especially after long periods of non-use) before using water for cooking or drinking.
4. Use Cold Water
- Never use hot tap water for drinking, cooking, or baby formula-hot water can release more lead.
5. Replace Interior Galvanized Plumbing
- If your home has galvanized plumbing, consider upgrading to copper or plastic piping, as recommended by the American Water Works Association (AWWA).
6. Stay Informed About Construction
- Local construction may disturb lead-containing pipes. Contact us to learn about activity near your home.
7. Have Your Water Tested
- Contact Eau Claire County Health Department at 715-839-2870 or visit 720 2nd Ave to pick up test kits.
- Find certified labs: WI DNR Certified Lab List
💧 Example Filters That Remove Lead
Here are several affordable and effective filters from the Water Filters to Remove Lead guide:
Pitcher Style
- Zero Water (6-23 cups, $20-$40)
- Aquasana Pitcher ($129.99)
Faucet-Mounted
- Pur FM-9000B[Pb] ($49.99)
- Brita SAFF-100 ($18.99)
Countertop Systems
- Aquasana AQ-4000 ($79.99)
- Austin Springs AS-DW-CT-P ($124.99)
Undersink Options
- GE GX1S50R ($72.00)
- Everpure H-300 ($440.00)
- Kohler Aquifer K-77686-NA ($159-$249)
✅ Look for filters labeled NSF/ANSI Standard 53.
📞 Contact Us
Have questions or planning to replace your service line?
📬 Email: utilities@ci.altoona.wi.us
📞 Call: 715-839-6092
🌐 Visit: Public Works Department
🔗 New Site (Coming May): https://altoona-wi.gov
|
