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Lead and Copper Program

Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities (SLCDPU) Lead and Copper Program is dedicated to maintaining public health and safety.* The program includes the identification of lead services lines, prioritizing school and childcare facilities, and targeting disadvantaged communities. We are also conducting extensive tap compliance sampling, water quality monitoring, and public outreach.

 

*SLCDPU complies with all EPA’s rules and regulations for Lead and Copper.

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Survey

SLCDPU is seeking input from our residents to identify the material used in private service lines. Determining the material used in the construction of private service lines will help us better protect your water while also meeting the most recent updates to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Lead and Copper rule. Please click on the survey below to help identify your service line. 

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Information

Sources of Lead

SLCDPU delivers customers lead-free water. However, lead can get into water as it sits or passes through service lines, internal plumbing systems or fixtures that contain lead.

The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes, faucets, and plumbing fixtures. 

Copper Pipe with Lead Solder: Solder used to connect copper pipe prior to 1986 may contain elevated levels of lead. 

Lead Service Line: The service line is the pipe that runs from the water main to the home's internal plumbing. Lead service lines are most commonly found in homes built before 1950.

Faucets: Brass faucets and fixtures installed before 2014 may contain higher lead content.
 

Galvanized Pipe: Lead particles can attach to the surface of galvanized pipes. Over time, the particles can enter your drinking water, causing elevated lead levels.

Lead-based paint peels and cracks creating paint dust, increasing your exposure.
 

Lead-contaminated soil particles, especially in urban areas and homes built before 1978.

What is a Service Line?

Water Main Water Meter Water Service Line Public Way Private Property Water Main Water Meter Water Service Line Public Way Private Property SLC Water:From the Water Main to the Water Meter Homeowner Water Responsibility:Anything after the Water Meter to the Home

Health Effects of Lead

Exposure in Adults Exposure in Children BrainMemory loss, lack of concentration, headaches, irritability, and depression BrainBehavior problems, lower IQ, hearing loss, and learning disabilities BodyDecreased bone and muscle growth BloodAnemia KidneysAbnormal function and damage Nervous SystemDamage Children under the age of 6 and children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy are at increased risk. BodyFatigue, joint, and muscle pain CardiovascularHigh blood pressure Digestive SystemConstipation, nausea, and poor appetite KidneysAbnormal function and damage Nervous SystemDamage including numbness and pain in the extremities Reproductive SystemMen: Decreased sex drive and sperm count and sperm anomalies.Women: Spontaneous miscarriage

How to Reduce Exposure

Run your water to flush out lead and copper before using.

Regularly clean faucet aerators.

Use cold water to cook and prepare baby formula.

Consider using a filter certified for lead removal.

Identify and replace lead service lines and plumbing fixtures that contain lead.

Use an alternative source of water (i.e. bottled water) if lead is identified in your home.

Remember, boiling water does not remove lead from water.

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Videos

SLCDPU Lead and Copper Program
03:13
Lead Poison Awareness with Mayor Erin Mendenhall
03:48
AWWA: Together, Let's Get the Lead Out
03:09
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