CHICAGO residents risk daily lead exposure from toxic lead service lines, the underground pipes that connect buildings to the city’s water supply.
The city has the most service lines in the country – around 412,000 – and those responsible do not plan to finish replacing them all before 2076.
With the full replacement of the lead service line at over 50, here is what you need to know about lead and how you can protect yourself.
What is the danger of lead?
There is No safe level of lead exposure. It is not healthy for anyone, but children under the age of 6 and the speakers are particularly vulnerable to health risks.
Even small quantities in the body can cause delays in development and cognitive problems in children, according to experts, and studies have exposed exposure to heart disease in adults. Lead can affect almost all organs and your body system.
Chicago’s drinking water comes from Lake Michigan. City officials say that the water treatment plant offers detectable drinking water levels. But the The most common source of lead in drinking water is the corroding of lead pipes, taps and accessories. If one of your plumbing infrastructure contains lead, it can flake or dissolve in your drinking water. You are more likely to have a main service line if your home was built before 1986, when the lead pipes were prohibited nationally.
You cannot see, feel or taste drinking water.
How do I know if I have a main service line?
- You can search for your address on GRIST, Inside Climate News and WBEZ search tool To see if your line of service is in lead.
- If you can find the hose that goes to your water meter or your street stop valve, it’s how you can check if you have a lead hose:
- Scratch: Use a key or part to scratch the pipe. Lead is silver gray and shiny in color when striped.
- Hold a magnet on the pipe: If it does not remain, it could be lead (lead is not magnetic).
Your internal plumbing and taps can also contain lead. This is why it is important to check all your plumbing lights and filter your water.
How can I test my drinking water for lead?
You can test lead in your drinking water by doing one or the other of the following elements:
- Ask for a free kit Online or call 311. Follow the instructions and plan for a time for a city representative to recover it.
- Request free water quality Inspection of the lead by a qualified technician from the Chicago Department of Water Management. You should avoid using water six hours before the appointment, and you must be present for the planned inspection.
Tests like these only provide instant lead levels in your drinking water at a specific time – a low test result does not necessarily mean that your water is safe. It is important to filter water for alcohol consumption and cooking, according to the American environmental protection agency.
I found lead in my water. What can I do?
1. Filter your water
Filtering your water can considerably reduce your risk of exposure, but not all filters work for lead. Look for the “NSF / ANSI Standard 53” brandWhich means that it meets EPA standards. The product label must explicitly indicate that it is certified to reduce lead levels in water. Find out more about the filtering guide of EPA.
Only Use cold tap water When filtering water to drink and cook. Hot water can increase the risk of contamination. Boiling water does not remove lead.
The city offers Free water filter sets to some residents, who include a pitcher of water and six NSF certified cartridges. You can search for your address here to find out if you are eligible.
2. Pass your water longer
The longer water is found in your pipes, the more lead it can accumulate. Whenever you have not used your water for six hours or more, run it for at least five minutes before using it to cook and drink.
Pay attention to the construction or maintenance on water outside your home. Any disturbance of your service line or your pipes can release lead. You may need to operate your water even longer.
3. Clean your aerator
An aerator is the small screen that is attached to the end of your tap. Sediments, debris and lead particles can accumulate in your aerator – clean it regularly.
4. Check if you are eligible for a free lead line replacement
The city has an online questionnaire to determine the replacement program for which you could be eligible.
Replacement programs include:
- A Program for the replacement of the service line of equity shares; Owners who meet income requirements can be eligible for a complete replacement of the full lead service line.
- Replacement of the free lead line to license rest bearers in priority districts.
- A waiver of up to $ 5,000 in license costs to owners who hire an entrepreneur To remove the lead service line. The city estimates that the cost of a full replacement can be $ 16,000 to $ 35,000.
5. Talk to your doctor or pediatrician
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend testing blood for lead exposure. The Illinois Department of Public Health underlines the importance of blood lead level tests for children under the age of 6 who can be exposed to lead through the soil, water or painting.
If you do not have health insurance or if you don’t know where to turn for care, Call 211. The 24/7 free non -urgent service links residents of COOK County to health and social services support. By composing 211 or by sending an SMS to your postal code at 898-211, you can connect with a qualified staff member who can help find the resources best suited to your needs.
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