The Authority maintains over 1,200 miles of pipes up to and including the lines going to the customer’s water meter. Water that leaves our treatment facility is non-detect for lead; however, water can pick up lead if it comes in contact with any lead pipes, lead solder or fittings that contain lead.   Pipe materials in the Water Authority's drinking water distribution system can be cast iron, ductile iron, galvanized iron pipe or pvc. We do not know of any lead pipes in our distribution system. However, customers, particularly those in older homes with plumbing installed prior to 1988, may have lead plumbing in their homes or pipes that were joined with lead solder.

If your home was built before 1988 and you are interested in being selected to be part of our sampling study, please contact us.

If you are concerned that your internal plumbing may contain lead, you should only use cold water for drinking or cooking.  In addition, you should flush your pipes before use if your water has been sitting in your pipes for several hours. Minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes or until it becomes cold or reaches a steady temperature before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested.

Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from  the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800.426.4791) or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead. 

Information about the Water Authority's sources and treatment is available in our annual water quality report.