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Birmingham Residents to Receive Important Water Safety Letters Regarding Lead Pipes

Birmingham Residents to Receive Important Water Safety Letters

Birmingham, Alabama – If you live in the Magic City, get ready for your mailbox to bring some important news next week! The Birmingham Water Works Board (BWWB) is set to send out letters to many residents regarding a critical issue that could be lurking in some homes: lead pipes. Now, before you jump to conclusions, let’s clear one thing up right away – just because you get a letter doesn’t mean your water is unsafe!

What’s the Scoop?

This new initiative by the BWWB is part of a federal rule that aims to ensure all water utilities can accurately report how many customers may have lead service lines in their homes. This is particularly relevant for any residences built before 1989, which may still have lead pipes lurking in their plumbing systems.

Who’s Affected?

70,000 customers in Birmingham will be receiving these letters as part of this survey. If your home was built before 1989, keep an eye out for the mail! The letter will not only inform you about the potential presence of lead pipes but also guide you on how to check your plumbing and how to report back to the BWWB.

No Need to Panic!

Now, let’s take a step back and breathe. Interim General Manager of the BWWB, Darryl Jones, reassures residents that this is not a cause for alarm. “If nothing else, what we want you to know is there’s not a crisis,” Jones stated. He emphasized, “There’s not lead in the water. The way we treat our water, we make sure that the lead piping that may be in your home is passive enough that there’s no leaching of that lead into the water.”

What Should You Do?

If you receive one of these letters and you want to take action, don’t hesitate to check your own water lines. It’s suggested that residents inspect the lines running from the street to their homes. If you discover that your plumbing does contain lead pipes, there are several options available to help minimize your risk:

Flushing your tap water by letting it run for a few minutes before using it for drinking or cooking can help reduce lead exposure.
Consider using filters that are certified for lead removal, giving you added peace of mind.
You might also want to look into other long-term solutions, such as replacing your lead service lines when possible.

Your Safety is a Priority

If you have any questions or uncertainties after reading your letter, you can find a wealth of information about lead pipes and safety measures on the Birmingham Water Works website. It’s always best to stay informed and proactive when it comes to your health and safety.