Lead Safety

Staying Safe

What are the Risks of Lead Exposure?

Long-term exposure to lead may cause health effects, with the greatest risk to infants, young children, and pregnant women. It is important to identify its presence and remove any source that may contaminate water as it enters a home or building. You can learn about potential health impacts here.

Reducing Lead Exposure

Plumbing installed prior to 1987 could also contain lead or lead solder. Customers should inspect and replace older plumbing with certified lead-free fixtures, and consult with a licensed plumber for assistance. If you suspect your home has lead plumbing, there are a few immediate steps you can take to minimize exposure.

• Run your water to flush out lead. If it hasn’t been used for several hours, run water from cold water taps for thirty seconds to two minutes before using it for drinking or cooking. To conserve water, remember to catch the flushed tap water for plants; you can also run the dishwasher, take a shower or do laundry to help flush water in your internal plumbing before consumption.
• Always use cold water for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula. Never use the hot water tap for cooking, drinking or preparing baby formula.
• Do not boil water to remove lead. Boiling water will not reduce lead.
• Filter your water prior to consumption. Use a filter that is NSF Standard 53 certified to remove lead. Households identified as being served by a lead service line through Greeley Water’s Lead Protection Program will received a water pitcher and filters at no charge. Customers can also look into “point of use” filtration devices that are certified for lead removal to install on taps regularly used for consumption.
• Replace old faucets. Replace faucets installed pre-2014 with new lead-free options.

Is my water safe to use for a shower, bath and teeth-brushing?

Yes! Showering, bathing and brushing teeth are safe while taking caution to ensure large amounts of water are not swallowed. Human skin does not absorb lead in water at levels that cause a health concern.

Filter Program

Greeley Water, in collaboration with 120Water, is providing a free water pitcher, filter and replacement filters certified to remove lead to all properties with a known or suspected lead service line. We will continue to provide free replacement filters until six months after the service line has been replaced or verified as lead-free. Filter kits will arrive in the mail and include Brita Manufacturer User Instructions for replacing filter cartridges.

Water Pitcher and Filter Frequently Asked Questions