Important Information from the Northern Kentucky Water Districte Regarding Lead Pipe Awareness Action
Please Report Your Water Line Materials
The Northern Kentucky Water District (NKWD) is responsible for providing high-quality drinking water and replacing utility-owned lead pipes, but we cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components in your home.
You share the responsibility for protecting yourself and your family from lead, if present, in your home plumbing. You can take responsibility by identifying and removing lead materials within your home plumbing and by taking steps to reduce your family's risk.
- 1. Identify your service line material - You can take responsibility for identifying plumbing materials within your home, including the service line going into the home. Use this two-step method for identifying plumbing materials.
- Reduce your exposure to lead in drinking water - If you determine you have a lead service line or any other lead in your home, there are simple, but effective, steps you can take daily to reduce your exposure to lead in drinking water such as:
- Running your water to flush out potential lead. If the faucet hasn’t been used for several hours, run the water for 3 to 5 minutes to clear the water that has been sitting in the lines.
- Always using cold water for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula. Boiling water will not reduce lead. Take measures to ensure that children don’t drink bath water.
- Periodically removing and cleaning the faucet screen/aerator. While the screen is removed, run the water to eliminate debris.
- You can also use a filter certified by an American National Standards Institute accredited to reduce lead in drinking water.
- Consider investing in a home water treatment device - Make sure it is it is certified under NSF/ANSI 53 to remove lead. Search for certified products at NSF International or by calling (800) 673-6275. You can also contact the Water Quality Association or by calling (630) 505-0160.
- Identify and replace plumbing fixtures containing lead - Brass faucets, fittings and valves may leach lead into drinking water. Products sold after January 4, 2014, must, by law, contain very low levels of lead.
- Have a licensed electrician check your wiring - Your home electrical system may be attached to your service line or elsewhere in your plumbing. If this connection is electrified, it can accelerate corrosion. Check with a licensed electrician to correct ground faults and evaluate your local electric code to determine if your wiring can be grounded elsewhere. DO NOT attempt to change the wiring yourself because improper bonding or grounding can cause electrical shock and fire hazards.
The Northern Kentucky Water District needs your help identifying the type of pipe material used for your water service line. A water service line is the pipe that brings water from the water main into the building. Visit their website by clicking here for detailed instructions on how to report your service line material.