Lead Awareness
As a result of the water crisis in Flint, Michigan, utilities nationwide are receiving questions about possible lead in drinking water. Although the situation in the Flint water system was caused by a change in source of water, the Sewerage & Water Board is sharing information about our drinking water and how to address concerns about lead service lines.
- Orleans Parish drinking water is SAFE; it is treated, tested & monitored regularly.
- SWB works closely with the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals and the Environmental Protection Agency to monitor & ensure that lead levels are below the guidelines.
- While lead service-lines exist, water is treated with a National Sanitation Foundation-certified additive that helps prevent lead from getting into the water.
- If your home was constructed before 1987, lead plumbing or solder may exist in your home and/or between the meter & your home.
If you have concerns about the water service line between the water main and the meter, please Contact Us.
Tips to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water
- Flush & Brush When you awake in the morning or return home from work or school, allowing the water to run for 45 seconds should ensure that the water coming into your home is lead free.
- Drinking & Cooking Always drink or cook with water from the cold tap! Water from the hot tap can contain higher levels of lead from your water heater or plumbing fixtures.
- Bathing & Showering Bathing and showering should be safe for you and your children, even if the water contains lead over the EPA's action level. Human skin does not absorb lead in water.
- Children & Pregnant Women The CDC says all sources of lead exposure for children should be controlled or eliminated because no safe blood level has been identified for children under age six.
- Water Filters Help To further reduce or eliminate exposure to lead, you can use a water filtration systems or water filters. Select a filter certified to meet NSF Standard 53 for lead. Be sure to change the filter according to the manufacturer's recommended schedule.
Related Documents
Our Annual Water Quality Reports are designed to provide information on the quality of the water delivered by the Sewerage and Water Board's water system. The information in the reports can be used by consumers, especially those with special health needs, to make informed decisions regarding their drinking water.
- How to Have Your Water Tested for Lead PDF
- Customer Information on Lead Service Line Replacement PDF
- Lead Service Line Replacement Door Hanger PDF
- Lead Service Line Located Door Hanger PDF
- Lead Service Line Replacement Bill Insert PDF
Information regarding lead service line replacement between the water main and meter.
Lead: Keep Your Water Safe PDF
A brochure provided by the American Water Works Association contains information regarding lead, water testing and water filtration systems.
- Louisiana Department of Health Compliance Letter PDF
- Algiers (Westbank) Water Plant Lead and Copper Sample Results PDF
- Carrollton (Eastbank) Water Plant Lead and Copper Sample Results PDF
A letter and sample results from Louisiana Department of Health contain information regarding lead and copper compliance for east-bank and west-bank drinking water systems.
Looking for more health information about Lead? We recommend the following websites.