Lead and Copper Rule Revision
The City of Florence is committed to protecting customers from lead exposure. Earlier this year, City of Florence Utility crews began work associated with the Federal Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Lead and Copper Rule Revision to conduct an inventory of water service lines to determine the type of materials used (lead, galvanized pipe, non-lead, or unknown). The water service line is the pipe that connects the residence to the City's water main in the street (see diagram below).
The drinking water provided to customers by the City of Florence does not contain lead. Lead does not occur naturally in water. There is no lead in the city’s water sources or when it leaves the city’s treatment facilities and travels through our miles of lead-free pipes. Lead enters drinking water primarily due to the corrosion, or wearing away, of materials containing lead in customer-owned water service lines and household plumbing.
To date, 0 homes have tested positive for having a lead service line, however, city crews are continuing to conduct inspections.
EPA Lead Facts
Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can lead to new learning and behavior problems or worsen existing learning or behavior problems. The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have an increased risk of these adverse health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney, or nervous system problems.
Steps You Can Take to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water:
Below are recommended steps you can take, either individually or in combination if you are concerned about lead in your drinking water. The list also provides resources for more information, but it is not intended to be comprehensive or to suggest that all actions equally reduce lead levels in drinking water.
Use a Lead-Safe Water Filter.
Using a lead-safe water filter correctly can reduce lead levels in drinking water. If you use a filter, ensure it is certified to remove lead. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper installation, maintenance, and usage of the cartridge, including when to replace it. Using the cartridge past its expiration date may reduce its effectiveness in removing lead. Avoid running hot water through the filter. For more information and guidance on home water filtration systems, visit the US EPA's website.
Clean Your Aerator:
Regularly remove and clean the screen on your faucet (also known as an aerator). Sediment, debris, and lead particles (if present) can accumulate in the aerator, and if lead is trapped there, it may contaminate 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 your pipes providing water to your home, the more likely it is to contain lead (if present). Before drinking, flush your home's pipes by running the tap, taking a shower, or doing laundry. The amount of time to run the water will depend on your service line material, as well as the length and diameter of the service line and the amount of plumbing in your home.
Have Your Water Tested:
You may contact a certified laboratory of your choice to have your water tested for lead. 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 this EPA website.
More Info / Links
- EPA Lead & Copper Rule
- EPA Drink Tap Water
- CDC Lead Facts
- CDC Lead Poisoning Prevention
- SC DES Lead Facts