this post was submitted on 04 Nov 2023
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Pretty nuts that despite all we know about the harms of lead, these pipes are still sitting there affecting people. I know it's £££ to fix but surely this is a public health crisis that requires the investment?!
There are lead replacement programs In effect, yes money is a factor but time is also a pretty big one since you only have so many people going around doing the work. I live in north Aurora, I have a lead line, I signed up for the program. They come to verify it. Then the city sends requests for water samples to see how much lead is in your regular use of water. Mine is at safe levels. They want everyone that's signed up now to have them replace by 2027 but I believe it they detect harmful levels they put you higher up for more immediate replacement.
This is really good to hear. Though I'm not an expert, is there a 'safe' level of lead consumption? How often do they test it... what's to say they test yours, says it's fine, then it deteriorates next week?
I hope your community / area gets it sorted eventually. Great to hear that something is being done, at least.
They measure it in parts per million. Lead lines are actually fairly safe. When water is going through them it creates a layer of oxidation between the pipes and the water you use in your house. it's moreso an issue if the plant that filters it changes something up, you let it sit for weeks withought using it to flush the lines, or if you have to have your water shut off, you would need to flush the lines after as well (Although that's pretty true for all water lines)
Am in the final stages of (hopefully) buying a house, in the UK but I'll be sure to run the water for a while before drinking any, thanks for the headsup.
Yep, run both hot and cold at every tap/tub for like a minute, also as a new homeowner I highly suggest locating your main water shut off, in case of a pipe leak, it's a lot easier to shut your water off when you know where to go rather than trying to find it in the panic of your home flooding. It's amazing how many people don't know where things are in their home
Learned that the hard way, kitchen filled with water up to my ankles within a couple of frantic minutes haha. Good advice though. There's so much to learn, I've been a renter all my life... though the last ~12 years my landlord was a lazy shithead so I've actually had to learn some DIY & house maintenance skills in that time.