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Brad Boris, water and wastewater director for the city of ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥, said the letters were required by changes to federal water regulations around lead and copper pipes.

The changes will require water systems around the country — like the city of ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ — to identify and replace any lead pipes within 10 years, according to information from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Utility providers aren’t responsible for the water lines running directly to a house from the water meter. Boris urged homeowners to check the pipes at their homes for lead pipes.

Here’s what to know.

Is ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥â€™s water safe to drink?

Yes.

Boris said ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥â€™s water supply, which is set to be tested again this summer, doesn’t have any detectable lead in it. He said the city has gone so long without detectable lead in its water supply that it is on a reduced testing schedule and must test its water every three years.

He said most of the city’s lines have been inspected and any lines that needed to be replaced have either already been replaced or are on the schedule to be replaced.

Why did I get a letter?

If the city didn’t have information about what kind of material is used in the pipes that connect your home to the water main near your water meter, your household received a letter about the potential risk of lead being in your water pipes.

The letter does not mean you have lead pipes, Boris said. Instead, it urges residents to check the pipes on their property. Here’s where to check:

• Water meter: Shine a flashlight around the water meter and see what kind of pipes are there.
• Hot water heater: Look at the pipes connecting the hot water heater to the water line and to the pipes in the house.
• Under the sink: Check under bathroom and kitchen sinks to find out what kind of pipes are there.
• Exposed pipes in basements, ceilings: If you have a basement or ceiling with exposed water pipes, check what kind of pipes you have.

Boris encouraged residents to check pipes thoroughly and in different locations in case only a few sections of pipes had been replaced. He said homes built before 1991 could still have lead pipes.

The city has a self-assessment survey residents can fill out to tell the city what kind of pipes are in the home. The survey also has photos of different pipes to help residents determine which kind is in the home.

Find the survey here: .

Survey says: Lead pipes. What next?

Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects for different age groups, the city said:

• Infants and children: Decreases in IQ and attention span. Learning and behavior problems could arise or be exacerbated. If exposed to lead pipes in the womb, children could be at an increased risk.
• Adults: Increased risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney or nervous system problems.

The city is only responsible for maintaining water mains and the pipes leading from the main to water meters. Pipes from water meters to the home or inside the home are the responsibility of the property owner.

Property owners are strongly encouraged to replace any lead pipes found. Replacement of pipes on private property is not required.

How to mitigate the impacts of lead exposure

To reduce exposure to lead in drinking water, the city recommends:

• Running water for 15-30 seconds to flush out lead. Boiling water will not remove lead from it.
• Use another source for water treatment like a pitcher filter that is certified to remove lead. Replace cartridges regularly.
• Use bottled water.
• Clean aerators and screens on all plumbing fixtures.
• Brass faucets, fittings and valves installed before 2014 could contribute to lead in drinking water because of a change in law that year.
• Do not use water from the hot water tap to make baby formula.

To have your water tested for lead, Boris said you can find a list of labs that will test for lead or other contaminants here: .