The City of Newcastle has recommended actions that you may take, separately or in combination, if you are concerned about lead in your drinking water.
1. Run your water to flush out lead. Let the water run to flush lead from interior plumbing by running the tap, taking a shower, doing laundry, or doing a load of dishes before drinking or cooking if the water hasn’t been used for several hours. Residents may contact Newcastle Public Works Authority for recommendations about flushing times.
2. Use cold water for cooking and preparing baby formula. Do not use hot water from the tap for drinking, cooking, or making baby formula as lead dissolves more easily into hot water.
3. Do not boil water to remove lead. Boiling water does not remove lead from the water.
4. Clean your aerator. Regularly remove and clean your faucet’s screen/aerator. Sediment, debris, and lead particles can collect in your aerator.
5. Look for alternative sources or treatment of water. You may want to consider purchasing bottled water or a water filter. Read the package to be sure the filter is certified to remove lead or contact NSF International at 800-NSF-8010 or www.nsf.org for information on performance standards for water filters.
6. Have your water tested. Contact NPWA at 405-3874434 to find out how to get your water tested for lead. State Environmental Laboratory Services can analyze a water sample from your home for a fee.
7. Get your child’s blood tested for lead. Contact your healthcare provider or local health department to find out how you can get your child’s blood tested for lead if you are concerned about lead exposure.
8. Identify and replace plumbing fixtures containing lead. Brass faucets, fittings, and valves, including those advertised as “lead-free,” may contribute to lead in drinking water. Visit the NSF website at www.nsf.org to learn more about lead-containing plumbing fixtures.
9. Learn what your service line material is. Contact NPWA at 405-387-4434 or a licensed plumber to determine if the pipe that connects your home to the water main is made of lead, galvanized metal, or other materials.
For more information, contact NPWA at 405-387-4434 or NewcastleOK.gov.
General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk from lead in drinking water are available from EPA’s website https:// www.epa.gov/ground-waterand- drinking-water/basic-information- about-lead-drinking- water.
