This is a Federal requirement and a nationwide effort that the City of Stillwater must comply with.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has new requirements aimed at addressing lead in drinking water by identifying all public and private service pipe materials and replacing any lead and certain galvanized pipes found.

Per the EPA: "In older homes and buildings, lead can leach from service lines, solder, and fixtures into tap water and become a significant source of lead exposure.”

EPA’s new Lead and Copper Rule strengthens regulatory requirements to better protect children and communities from lead in drinking water.

Below are recommended actions that you may take, separately or in combination, if you are concerned about lead in your drinking water. The list also includes links where you may find more information and is not intended to be a complete list or to imply that all actions equally reduce lead in drinking water. 

Use a filter. Using a filter can reduce lead in drinking water. If you use a filter, it should be certified to remove lead. Read any directions provided with the filter to learn how to properly install, maintain, and use your cartridge and when to replace it. Using the cartridge after it has expired can make it less effective at removing lead. Do not run hot water through the filter. For more information on facts and advice on home water filtration systems, EPA has developed a consumer help webpage at: https://www.epa.gov/water-research/consumer-tool-identifying-point-use-and-pitcher-filters-certified-reduce-lead.

Clean your aerator. Regularly clean your faucet’s screen (also known as an aerator). Sediment, debris, and lead particles can collect in your aerator. If lead particles are caught in the aerator, lead can get into your water.

Use cold water. Do not use hot water from the tap for drinking, cooking, or making baby formula as lead dissolves more easily into hot water. Boiling water does not remove lead from water. 

Run your water. The more time water has been sitting in pipes providing water to your home, the more lead it may contain. Before drinking, flush your home’s pipes by running the tap, taking a shower, doing laundry, or doing a load of dishes. The amount of time to run the water will depend on whether your home has a lead service line or not, as well as the length and diameter of the service line and the amount of plumbing in your home.

Have your water tested. You can contact a Minnesota Department of Health accredited laboratory (https://eldo.web.health.state.mn.us/public/accreditedlabs/labsearch.seam) to purchase a sample container and instructions on how to submit a sample. Note, a water sample may not adequately capture or represent all sources of lead that may be present. For information on sources of lead that include service lines and interior plumbing, please visit https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water#getinto

In Minnesota, elevated blood lead levels are most associated with lead exposure from lead paint and dust. Water is rarely the cause of elevated blood lead levels. If you have concerns about childhood lead exposure, check with your family doctor, pediatrician, or health care provider to determine if a blood test for lead is recommended. The Minnesota Department of Health can also provide information about health effects of lead and how you can have your child's blood tested for lead. For more information and links to CDC’s website, please visit https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water.
MDH also has Lead Information for Families https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/lead/families.html.

If you have questions about your water service line please contact Public Works at 651-275-4100.