Some 75,000 letters are on their way to Onondaga County Water Authority customers aimed at narrowing down which properties still have lead water lines.
While a small percentage of the letters are going to customers who have already contacted OCWA about lead in their lines, it’s the 71,000 other customers OCWA wants to directly reach today.
The authority’s executive director Jeff Brown says they’re the ones with lines they still need to identify. Customers can do it one of two ways; call OCWA to come out and inspect the line, or use their cell phone.
“Take a photo of the service and send it into the website that's listed in the letter, where they can just take a a QR code and they'll send it right there,” Brown said.
The EPA is requiring OCWA inspect all public water systems within the next ten years. Until that’s completed and pipes are replaced, Brown says there are still safeguards against lead contamination.
“Cleaning your aerators, making sure to use cold water instead of hot water that that definitely helps," Brown said. "Run your water for a period of time. You can use filters will help. They have to be EPA certified.”
Brown also says to watch for construction in the area. Lead particles can release in old pipes when the ground around them is disrupted. OCWA will also notify residents when construction or water line events are happening that could cause disturbances.
