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Here’s what to know about those lead pipe letters that went out this month
Experts say there's no need to panic — but anyone who received a letter should take precautions.
Millions of Massachusetts residents received letters this month warning that water pipes servicing their homes could contain lead, a heavy metal toxic to humans.
However, just because someone received a letter doesn’t necessarily mean they have lead in their pipes or water. While there’s no need to panic, experts are urging those who got letters to schedule inspections to confirm or rule out the presence of lead.
The questionable pipes are service lines that connect public water lines to buildings, according to a Boston Globe report.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says exposure to lead in drinking and groundwater can cause a plethora of health problems, particularly for children and pregnant women.
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Kids who are exposed to lead can experience slowed growth, lower IQ, hyperactivity, behavior and learning challenges, hearing problems, and anemia. Lead exposure can cause reduced fetus growth in pregnant women and premature birth, according to the EPA.
Many towns, including Boston, have incentive programs that will help pay for the removal and replacement of contaminated pipes.
According to the Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC), lead isn’t generally in source water but can enter residents’ tap water through corroded plumbing. Older buildings, especially those built prior to the ’90s, are at higher risk for lead pipes because the metal was often used in plumbing.
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The BWSC is encouraging residents with lead service lines to take advantage of the city’s Lead Replacement Incentive Program, which covers the cost of replacing the troublesome piping. Boston residents who received a letter should call a lead hotline (617) 989-7888 to set up a free inspection.
“We go from people who panic, to those who throw the letter in the trash,” Irene McSweeney, who manages the BWSC’s lead program, told the Globe. “We need them to take the steps that we’ve asked them to do in the letter — to call us.”
Residents can take other steps to ensure their safety, like running cold tap water for at least one minute before drinking it or using it to cook, shower, or brush their teeth. People should also clean faucet screens, which can collect lead particles, and use a Brita or similar filter capable of removing lead.
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