Salt Lake City is working to identify and replace lead pipes still in use around the city. The efforts come following news that the city will receive $39 million in federal funding for this purpose.

The Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities (SLCDPU) received word of the loan approval in March. Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff announced the funding during a visit to Utah. Emhoff said Salt Lake City would be the first city in the state to be eligible for this funding.

Dustin White, Regulatory Program Manager with SLCDPU says they should close on the loan within the next month. Once the city receives the federal funds, they’ll begin to replace the lead pipes.

Identifying lead pipes

In the meantime, White says the department is working to identify homes that still have – or could potentially still have – lead pipes. White says the public service lines have all been identified and confirmed as safe, but they need the public’s help to identify privately-owned lines; these lines go from the water meter to the house.

“I want to emphasize that Salt Lake City has removed all known lead pipes owned by the City and will continue to replace any as they are found, White says. “This program is primarily focused on privately-owned service lines, where we have very little information on the pipe material.”

Out of roughly 90,000 service lines, White says they’ve confirmed 60,000 do not contain lead. But the material used in the other 30,000 lines is still unknown.

White says if a home was built before 1950 – and especially if a home was built before 1920 – there’s a good chance the home has lead pipes. The city has launched an online survey for residents who believe their homes may have lead pipes. Officials are also reaching out to the owners of the 30,000 unknown lines via mail.

If there’s a chance your home may have lead pipes, White says the city can help. “We have resources available if lead is identified … such as pitcher filters certified to remove lead and free water sampling,” says White.

A majority of the service lines with unknown materials are privately-owned, meaning it would usually be the property owner’s responsibility to replace the lines. However, there’s a possibility the city may be able to assist with replacement using $39 million in federal funding. White says those specific details are still being worked on.

When the time comes for lead pipe replacement, White says the department will prioritize underserved areas based on census data. That includes several areas on the Westside.

Harmful effects of lead

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that exposure to even small amounts of lead can lead to developmental and brain damage, especially in children.

On their website, the CDC says, “Lead exposure occurs when a (person) comes in contact with lead by touching, swallowing, or [inhaling] lead or lead dust.”

Besides lead existing in pipes, SLCDPU also says, “Lead can also be found in lead-based paints in houses built before 1978. When the lead-based paint peels and cracks, it makes lead paint chips and dust.”

Exposure to lead through paint or water pipes can have long-lasting effects. Some of the documented effects of lead exposure include damage to the brain and nervous system, slowed growth and development, learning and behavior problems, and hearing or speech problems.

In order to reduce exposure to lead in water pipes, SLCDPU gives a few recommendations:

Run your water to flush out lead before using

Regularly clean faucet aerators

Use cold water to cook and prepare baby formula

Consider using a filter certified for lead removal

Identify and replace lead service lines and plumbing fixtures that contain lead

Use an alternative source of water (ie: bottled water) if lead is identified in your home

To learn more about the lead pipe replacement program – as well as to learn more about lead’s effects on the body and how to mitigate it — the Department of Public Utilities has set up a new website: https://www.slcleadandcopper.com/. You can also access the survey to see if you possibly have lead pipes in your home by visiting that page.

Those who have additional questions or would like to schedule a personal line inspection can call 844-LEAD-SLC (532-3752) or email lead@slcgov.com.