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Author: April Schroeder
Lead can enter drinking water from old plumbing, especially in homes built before 1986. Corrosive water can also leach lead from pipes and solder. To know if your water is contaminated, have it tested and consider using a water filter or bottled water.
The Flint, Michigan, crisis has sent shockwaves nationwide. For Ohio residents, the discovery of a lead-contaminated water supply just one state away has hit too close to home. It’s hard not to wonder, “how does lead get in drinking water?” Most of us are safe, but some communities are at risk of lead exposure from their drinking water. Lead is a toxic metal that can cause serious health problems, especially in young children and pregnant women. We must demand action from our elected officials to ensure our water is safe to drink. We all have a right to clean, healthy water, and we cannot afford to take this issue lightly.
Even low levels of lead can contaminate water and is dangerous, especially for children, as there is no safe level of exposure. Lead is also known to bioaccumulate in the body, which can build up over time and cause various health problems. The following list is just a few ways lead in drinking water affects humans:
This is not an exhaustive list of what lead can do to the body, but it highlights the severe nature of lead exposure. Protecting your and your family’s health is essential if you suspect your water may be contaminated with lead.
Lead enters our water supply from the infrastructure of a building or home. Homes built before 1986 and commercial buildings are more likely to have lead-soldered pipes that can corrode over time and affect water quality. Corroded pipes release lead into the water. Therefore, it’s essential to be aware of the age and materials of your plumbing. Don’t hesitate to take the necessary action to ensure your water is safe. Your health depends on it.
The nature of the water itself also plays a role in lead contamination. Highly acidic and low mineral content water is more likely to erode the materials inside of pipes. Water suppliers have started treating their source water with additives that reduce acidity to address this concern. However, it’s important to check with your local water supplier to ensure your water is safe for consumption.
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, in compliance with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, has developed an excellent resource to help Ohio residents identify the source of lead and other contaminants in their water. You can find an up-to-date, interactive map highlighting concerns on their website. It also provides detailed information about potential sources of contamination. In addition, the map includes recommendations for affected residents to help them protect themselves and their families. This valuable tool is a great way to stay informed about the quality of your drinking water.
Despite efforts by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, there are 62 advisories in Ohio related to drinking water safety. Almost half of these advisories recommend using a water filtration system or a bottled water delivery service instead of the tap. Eight areas in Ohio have been reported to have lead contamination, which is a serious concern for public health. It’s important to stay informed about these issues and take appropriate measures to protect yourself and your family, including testing your water and using a certified filter. The complete list of contaminants and the number of areas affected are as follows:
To raise awareness about lead contamination in Ohio, it’s important to note that several counties have reported lead alerts within their borders. However, this does not necessarily mean the entire county is affected. In many cases, the source of the lead is located within individual homes or buildings. Nonetheless, the following counties have reported lead alerts:
If you live in one of these counties, protecting yourself and your family from lead exposure is important. This may include testing your water, using a certified filter, getting drinking water delivery and taking other precautions to reduce your risk of exposure.
If you’re concerned about lead, there are several steps you can take to ensure that your water is safe to drink. First, ask your water utility provider for their current water quality report. This report will provide information about any contaminants in the water supply, including lead. It’s also a good idea to have your water tested, especially if your structure was built before 1986.
Aside from testing, you can take some simple steps to reduce exposure to lead in water. For example, flushing your pipes before drinking can help to remove any lead that may have accumulated in the plumbing. Boiling water is ineffective in removing lead. Instead, you should use a water filtration system or get water jug delivery. Water filters effectively remove lead and other contaminants, and many different types of filters are available on the market. Bottled water is also a good choice, as it is not exposed to lead-soldered infrastructure. While there is no fail-proof method for removing lead from water, these steps can help to ease your worry and protect your health.
Lead is a toxic metal harmful to health, especially for children. It can enter water from old plumbing or corrosion. To know if your water is safe, test it. Use filters or bottled water to reduce lead exposure.
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