Manitowoc Public Utilities is reminding residents to get their lead service lines replaced when they can.
Utility-conducted lead testing has found lead levels in some homes above the U.S. EPA’s action limit.
MPU has monitored lead in drinking water since 1992, and lead levels have been below the EPA action limit of 15 parts per billion.
While the water sent out by MPU doesn’t have lead, when it encounters lead pipes and plumbing, that is when it is introduced.
Homes built before 1950 are more likely to have lead pipes, and homes built before 1984 could have some lead in them.
Residents who think their home could be at risk should use filters where possible, run their water to help filter out lead, and have their water tested.
Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups, but infants and children could see decreases in IQ and attention span.
Long-term lead exposure in adults could lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney, or nervous system problems.
More information about MPU’s Lead Service Line Replacement Program, where funding will pay for 50% of replacement costs, can be found at mpu.org.
