DRINKING WATER SAFETY Lead Awareness In the North Shore, water leaving thet treatment plant is free of lead, but lead can still get into drinking water from old plumbing fixtures, or service lines that bring water to your home. When water sits for several hours in pipes or faucets that contain lead, lead can mix into the water. Construction work or other activities that disturb pipes can also loosen lead particles, allowing them to enter the water. To help prevent this, the North Shore’s water systems use ortho-phosphate, a chemical that coats the inside of pipes and helps stop lead from leaching into the water. This is considered the best method for controlling lead in drinking water. However, some homes are more at risk for lead in their water due to the type of plumbing they have. Which homes are at higher risk for lead in drinking water? Even though the treated water in the North Shore is lead-free, lead can still come from old service lines or plumbing inside homes. If your home is served by Milwaukee Water Works, you can call (414) 286-2830 to check if your home has a lead service line. If you’re unsure where your water comes from or don’t use Milwaukee Water Works, contact your village or city hall for help determining if you have a lead service line. Steps to Reduce Lead Exposure in Drinking Water If you have children under 6 (especially babies on formula), pregnant women, or breastfeeding women in your household, it’s important to take steps to reduce the risk of lead exposure: Use a lead-certified water filter. A filter certified under NSF/ANSI Standard 53 can remove lead from drinking water, which is especially important when preparing baby formula. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing and maintaining the filter. Run your water. Before drinking or cooking, let the cold water run for at least three minutes, or until it feels colder. This helps flush out any lead that may have built up in the pipes. You can use the flushed water for things like watering plants. It’s safe to bathe, shower, and do laundry with water from lead pipes. Use cold water for drinking and cooking. Lead dissolves faster in hot water, so always use cold tap water for drinking or cooking. Boiling the water does not remove lead, so if you’re concerned, you may also want to use bottled water from a lead-free source. Check your faucet aerator. The aerator at the end of your faucet can trap small particles, including lead. It’s a good idea to clean it regularly to remove any debris. Consider replacing lead pipes or plumbing. A licensed plumber can check if your home’s pipes or service lines contain lead. If they do, you may want to consider replacing them. Contact your village or city to see if they will also replace their part of the service line. If you are pregnant or have a child under 6, talk to your doctor about lead testing. The North Shore Health Department encourages parents and healthcare providers to follow Wisconsin's blood lead screening recommendations. Additional Resources: North Shore Water Commission Milwaukee Water Works City Water Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene Updated: 10/22/2024