LEAD SERVICE FAQS

Yes. The EPA’s lead standard is an action level that requires treatment modifications if lead test results exceed 15 parts per billion (ppb) in more than 10 percent of first draw samples taken from household taps. Missouri American Water regularly tests for lead at the end of its treatment process. Our testing has shown that lead is not an issue in the water exiting any of our water treatment facilities. We also conduct tests in our distribution system in accordance with the EPA regulatory requirements. In addition, we take steps to reduce the potential of lead leaching from service lines and household pipes into the water by managing the pH levels in the water leaving our treatment facilities and adding a corrosion inhibitor where needed. Learn more at leadfacts.

Not necessarily. You might have lead in your drinking water if your service line, household plumbing or fixtures contain lead. Homes built before 1930 are more likely to have lead plumbing systems. Lead pipes are dull grey in color and scratch easily revealing a shiny surface. If your house was built before January 1986, you are more likely to have lead-soldered joints on copper piping. Lead solder is a silver or grey color. If you do, the chance of the lead leaching into your drinking water is greater when water has been standing in the pipes for more than six hours.

You cannot see, smell or taste lead, and boiling water will not remove lead. Here are steps you can take to reduce your potential exposure if lead exists in your home plumbing:

• Flush your taps. The longer the water lies dormant in your home’s plumbing, the more lead it might contain. If the water in your faucet has gone unused for more than six hours, flush the tap with cold water for 30 seconds to two minutes before drinking or using it to cook. To conserve water, catch the running water and use it to water your plants.
• Use cold water for drinking and cooking. Hot water has the potential to contain more lead than cold water. If hot water is needed for cooking, heat cold water on the stove or in the microwave. 
• Routinely remove and clean all faucet aerators.
• Look for the “Lead Free” label when replacing or installing plumbing fixtures.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for replacing water filters in household appliances, such as refrigerators and ice makers, as well as home water treatment units and pitchers. Look for NSF 53 certified filters. Customers can also look for NSF 42 certified filers which will help with turbidity concerns. 
• Flush after plumbing changes. Changes to your service line, meter, or interior plumbing may result in sediment, possibly containing lead, in your water supply. Remove the strainers from each faucet and run the water for 3 to 5 minutes.
• Routinely clean faucet screens. Sediment and metals can collect in the faucet screen located at the tip of your faucets. Replace screens that are in poor condition. New screens are available at local hardware stores. Click here for instructions on how to clean your faucet screen.

For customers with lead service lines, solder or fixtures, yes. The longer the water lies dormant in your home’s plumbing, the more lead it might contain. If the water in your faucet has gone unused for more than six hours, flush the tap with cold water for 30 seconds to two minutes before drinking or using it to cook. To conserve water, catch the running water and use it to water your plants.

You can have your water tested for lead. Since you cannot see, taste or smell lead dissolved in water, testing is the only sure way of knowing.

Missouri American Water does not provide testing for lead for individual customers who request it. Customers can choose to have their water tested at their cost at a certified laboratory. Lead test strips that test for the presence of lead in plumbing are also available at hardware stores. For more information, contact EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Act Hotline: 1-800-426-4791 or visit the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

The need for a home treatment device is a customer decision. If you choose to purchase a home filter, NSF International created a Consumer Guide to NSF Certified Lead Filtration Devices for Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water. For more information, visit www.nsf.org/info/leadfiltrationguide. Always consult the device manufacturer for information on treatment device maintenance and potential impacts to your drinking water or household plumbing. The EPA also offers information on identifying drinking water filters, you can find information here.

A water service line is a pipe that connects a customer’s house or building to the water main in the street. Typically, the service line is less than 2-inches in diameter and is made of various material. The most common material in use is copper, however other materials have been used including, but not limited to, galvanized steel, iron, plastic lead, and others.

Missouri American Water owns a portion of the service line, typically from the main to the curb stop, found near the street curb or sidewalk. The property owner owns the rest of the service line (from curb stop) all the way into the house or building being served. The curb stop is an outdoor shut-off valve, this may be a water meter pit or a valve. See diagram.

As part of our Lead Service Line Replacement Program, if the company-owned or customer-owned portion of the service line is determined to be lead or galvanized steel, we will work with the property owner to replace the service line at no direct cost to the customer.

Over the years, plumbers have used many different materials, most commonly copper, plastic, lead, galvanized steel and others. If we find lead or a combination of lead and galvanized piping during a main replacement project, we will contact you to discuss replacing your service line. Replacing lead service lines reduces your potential exposure to lead.

Each year, Missouri American Water invests millions of dollars in upgrading our water infrastructure to support our continued delivery of safe and reliable water service to you. When it comes to lead/galvanized service line replacements, our targeted approach to replacements starts in communities with a high likelihood of having lead/galvanized service lines. These homes were typically built before 1930 when lead/galvanized was used by the plumbing industry.

Missouri American Water is committed to removing all known lead service lines by 2030. Replacement of lead service lines typically starts with an inspection of the service line inside the customer’s home. The customer can self-identify material or contact one of our professionals to inspect it. If the Company-owned or Customer-owned side of the service line has been verified as lead/galvanized, Missouri American Water will work to have the service line replaced at no direct cost to the customer.

Internal plumbing is the customer’s responsibility. If lead/galvanized material is found Missouri American Water will replace from the water main to the customer owned internal shut-off valve. For questions or concerns regarding your internal plumbing, please contact a licensed plumber.

You can find out more information by visiting our More Resources page.