Lead Information

Do I have a lead service line to my home or work?

No, in December 2016 the BWL removed its last known lead service line.

What can I do to reduce my exposure to lead in drinking water?

• Flush Your Pipes Before Drinking: If the water hasn’t been used for more than six hours, run the tap water until it feels cold.
• Only Use Cold Tap Water For: Drinking, cooking and making baby formula, hot water is more likely to contain lead.
• Clean Faucet Aerators: Remove the aerators (screens) and clean them at least every six months.
• Check and Replace Your Plumbing Fixtures If Necessary: Older faucets, fittings and valves sold before 2014 may contain up to 8 percent lead, even if marked “lead-free.”

Why should I use cold water for drinking?

BWL’s water quality is tested daily at the water conditioning plants and four days per week out in our distribution system and meets or exceeds every state and federal regulation of the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Inside homes, water heaters can have negative impacts on water quality. Metals, such as lead, may enter the water from the water heater. BWL constantly monitors the cold water in our distribution system, however, hot water inside of homes is not monitored.