Servicios de Walker County Water & Sewerage Authority para la Comunidad

Dear Water Customer,

Walker County Water and Sewerage Authority would like to inform you that the material of the water service line to the above address has yet to be determined. Subsequently, the service line has been classified as Lead Status Unknown. This means that all or a portion of the service line may be made of lead or galvanized piping requiring replacement. Water supplied through a service line of unknown material has the potential to increase your risk of exposure to lead. For further information regarding your service line, our service line inventory is accessible at www.walkercountywsa.com.

What is a Service Line?

A service line is the piping that runs from the water main to the building inlet. Ownership varies by water system but is typically split between the water system and the customer. Walker County Water and Sewerage Authority owns the section of the service line from the main line to the meter, while the section from the meter to the home is owned by the customer.

How Can I Determine My Service Line Material?

Walker County Water and Sewerage Authority is continuing service line identification and replacement. If your service line is found to contain lead or galvanized piping requiring replacement, you will receive a separate notice with information about service line replacement and financing opportunities. To aid in the verification of the customer-owned portion of the line, please visit www.epa.gov/protectyourtap for instructions on identifying your service line material. Information and photos can be submitted by csr3@walkercountywsa.com.

What are the Health Effects of Lead?

Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can lead to new learning and behavior problems or exacerbate existing learning and behavior problems. The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased risk of these adverse health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney, or nervous system problems.

What Can I do to Reduce Exposure to Lead in Drinking Water?

• Run your water to flush out lead. If the water hasn’t been used for several hours, run the water for 15-30 seconds to flush lead from interior plumbing or run it until it becomes cold or reaches a steady temperature before using it for drinking or cooking.

• Use cold water for cooking and preparing baby formula.

• Do NOT boil water to attempt to remove lead.

• Look for alternative sources or treatment of water (such as bottled water or water filters).

• Re-test your water for lead periodically.

• Identify and replace plumbing fixtures containing lead.

For more information, call us at 706-820-1455, or visit our website at www.walkercountywsa.com. For more information on reducing lead exposure around your home/building and the health effects of lead, visit EPA's website at http://www.epa.gov/lead or contact your health care provider.

Sincerely,

Walker County Water and Sewerage Authority