Overview

This story map provides an overview of the EPA mandate for public water suppliers throughout the country to eliminate lead water service lines in their communities.  Of the 10,000+ service lines that have been inventoried so far in Prior Lake, no lead has been found.  You can view your service line material on the interactive map that is included in the story map (a link to a statewide map is provide below in the Helpful Resources section).

Health effects of lead 

Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can lead to new learning and behavior problems or worsen existing learning and behavior problems. The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased risk of these negative health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, and kidney, or nervous system problems.

Steps you can take to reduce lead in drinking water.
Below are recommended actions that you may take, separately or in combination, if you are concerned about lead in your drinking water. The list also includes links where you may find more information and is not intended to be a complete list or to imply that all actions equally reduce lead in drinking water.  

Use a filter. Using a filter can reduce lead in drinking water. If you use a filter, it should be certified to remove lead. Read any directions provided with the filter to learn how to properly install, maintain, and use your cartridge and when to replace it. Using the cartridge after it has expired can make it less effective at removing lead. Do not run hot water through the filter. For more information on facts and advice on home water filtration systems, visit the EPA website at https://www.epa.gov/water-research/consumer-tool-identifying-point-use-and-pitcher-filters-certified-reduce-lead. 

Clean your aerator. Regularly clean your faucet’s screen (also known as an aerator). Sediment, debris, and lead particles can collect in your aerator. If lead particles are caught in the aerator, lead can get into your water. 

Use cold water. Do not use hot water from the tap for drinking, cooking, or making baby formula as lead dissolves more easily into hot water. Boiling water does not remove lead from water.  

Run your water. The more time water has been sitting in pipes, the more lead it may contain. Before drinking water from the tap, flush your pipes by running the tap, taking a shower, doing laundry, or doing a load of dishes. The amount of time to run the water will depend on whether your home has a lead service line or not, as well as the length and diameter of the service line and the amount of plumbing in your home.  Generally, 3-4 minutes of flushing will be adequate. 

Have your water tested.  You can contact a Minnesota Department of Health accredited laboratory to purchase a sample container and instructions on how to submit a sample. Note, a water sample may not adequately capture or represent all sources of lead that may be present. For information on sources of lead that include service lines and interior plumbing, please visit https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water#getinto 

Understand Blood Lead Testing
In Minnesota, elevated blood lead levels are most associated with lead exposure from lead paint and dust. Water is rarely the cause of elevated blood lead levels. If you have concerns about childhood lead exposure, check with your family doctor, pediatrician, or health care provider to determine if a blood test for lead is recommended. State, city, or county departments of health can also provide information about health effects of lead and how you can have your child's blood tested for lead. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that public health actions be initiated when the level of lead in a child’s blood is 3.5 micrograms per deciliter (μg/dL) or more. 

Helpful Resources 

The Minnesota Department of Health and University of Minnesota, in cooperation will all public water suppliers throughout the state, have created this interactive map of service line materials throughout greater Minnesota: https://maps.umn.edu/LSL/ (note, the information for Prior Lake is more currant on the story map at the top of this page than it is on this one)

For more information and links to CDC’s website, please visit: 
https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water 

The Minnesota Department of Health also has Lead Information for Families: https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/lead/families.html

For additional information on the Lead Service Line Replacement Program, please visit: 
https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/lslrprogram.html

For more information about lead in drinking water visit the Minnesota Department of Health webpage: https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/contaminants/lead.html

EPA step-by-step guide to help people identify lead pipes in their homes:
https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/protect-your-tap-quick-check-lead.  

This short video will help you determine your service line material:  https://youtu.be/KfgdX_DJ4d8