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The abatement of lead in drinking water is a controversial issue because (1) the <br /> current definition of a hazardous level is under review, and (2) locating the source <br /> of lead in tap water can be tricky. The following precautions and abatement actions <br /> are recommendations for homeowners who are concerned about lead in their <br /> drinking water. <br /> Measures for Redudng Exposure <br /> There are two steps that can be immediately taken to minimize exposure from lead <br /> in drinking water. <br /> 1. Refrain from consuming water that has been in contact with the plumbing <br /> for more than six hours, such as overnight or during the work day. Before <br /> using water for drinking or cooking, "flush" the cold water faucet by running <br /> the water until it has become as cold as it can get. This must be done for each <br /> drinking water faucet - taking a shower will not :lush the kitchen tap. The <br /> water that comes out after flushing will not have been in extended contac: <br /> with lead pipes or solder. <br /> Z Avrtd consuming or cooking with water from the hot-water rap. Hot water <br /> dissolves lead more quickly than cold water. Hot water should be made by <br /> drawing water from the cold tap and heating it. <br /> Abatement Actions <br /> 1. If a household is served by a public water system contact the supplier and ask <br /> whether or not the supply system contains lead piping, and whether the <br /> water is corrosive. If either answer is ves, find out what stews the supplier is <br /> taking to deal with the problem of lead contamination. Drinking wate'r'can be <br /> treated at the giant for corrosiveness and lead pipes and service connectors <br /> can be replaced. <br /> ?. If a home has a well or other water source, the water can be treated to snake it <br /> less corrosive. Corrosion control devices for individual households include <br /> calcite filters and other devices. Calcite :filters should be installed in the line <br /> between the water source and any lead service connections or lead-so:dered <br /> Dives. <br /> 3. Lead in tap water can be reduced by point-of-use treatment devices such as <br /> reverse osmosis and distillation units. These units may be pure^=sed <br /> comrnercally or leased. However, thev can be e-xvensive, their effects.-ness <br /> varies, and thev must be maintained. Carbon, sand, and car-cige filters do <br /> not remove lead and do not prevent corrosion. <br /> 4. Before :moving into a newly built house, remove all strainers from faucets <br /> and flush the water for at least 1-4 minutes to remove loose lead solder or flux <br /> debris from the plumbing. Occasionally check the strainers for anv further <br /> acc.:rnuiation of loose lead. <br /> -•— <br /> CRAF7 512;89 vuide;mes <br /> Pale o.i2 <br />