Mount Pleasant Waterworks passed the initial rounds of the EPA's lead and copper testing program.
That means NO LEAD OR COPPER WAS PRESENT OVER THE LIMITS* ESTABLISHED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA). We sampled homes thought to be at the greatest risk.
The Commission now tests lead in Mount Pleasant homes under a reduced annual monitoring schedule.
The twelve-month reporting period begins July 1 each year and ends June 30 the following year. Thirty homes designated as Tier 1** locations are sampled during each period and results are reported to the EPA and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC).
Residents collect the samples under the direction of the Commission's Laboratory. The samples are then analyzed by a private laboratory selected by SCDHEC. The Commission will send a letter with the analysis results to each homeowner participating in the program. If you have any questions, please contact the Laboratory at 884-8048 or Customer Service at 849-2744.
- *Lead no greater than 15 ppb (parts per billion) and copper no greater than 1.3 ppm (parts per million) at the customer's tap.
- **Tier 1 category includes homes built before 1930 that may still have lead plumbing, and homes with copper plumbing built after 1982.
- Lead in solder material was banned in 1986.
Mount Pleasant has EPA approved tap water.
If your home is more than five years old, chances are that any lead on the inside of the pipe has acquired a natural coating that would prevent serious leaching. However, here are some things you can do to keep your home lead-free:
Get into the habit of flushing your pipes if the tap has not been used for three or more hours.
To do this, let the water run for 15-30 seconds before using it for drinking or cooking. This removes the potential for metals that may have leached from the plumbing and brings fresh water into your home's system. You can save the flushed water for non-consumptive purposes, such as watering plants or rinsing dishes.
Never use hot water directly from your tap for cooking or making infant formula.
Hot water dissolves lead more quickly than cold water. Always use cold, fresh water to heat for making hot drinks or for cooking.
Avoid storing or serving food or beverages from ceramic pitchers or plates with colorful, lead-based glazes.
Don't store liquids in lead crystal as lead may leach out. Short-term use for serving does not pose a threat, however.
Insist on lead-free materials when plumbing is done in your home.
Find out if your home contains lead-based paint by having paint chips analyzed by a laboratory.
Check every layer of paint as there may be lead-based under the top layers. Do this before remodeling as sanding or scraping will dislodge the paint particles and contaminate the air.
Keep window sills, furniture and carpets free of paint dust and chips.
Dust often with a moist cloth or vacuum. Cover any areas of chipping or peeling paint with adhesive paper. Mop floors frequently with a wet mop and wash your children's hands often, especially before they eat.
Compiled from American Water Works Association's publication number 68003, "Living Lead-Free."
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--For Your Health
--Monthly Lab Reports
--Annual Water Quality Report
