### Birmingham Water Works Alerting Over 71,000 Households About Potential Lead Pipes

In an effort to address potential lead exposure, Birmingham Water Works is dispatching letters to more than 71,000 customers next week, urging them to inspect their homes for lead pipes. This initiative, aligned with new Environmental Protection Act (EPA) regulations, aims to notify households, especially those built before 1989, about the possible presence of lead in their water supply.

The communication, set to reach 71,818 residences, underscores that receiving a letter does not confirm the presence of lead but encourages homeowners to allow the utility to assess their lead risk. Interim General Manager Darryl R. Jones emphasized, "We want our customers to be aware of potential lead issues, but we don't want them to be alarmed if they receive this letter. The goal is to make sure our customers know if they have a risk in their home, and to give them information to address that risk."

Earlier this year, more than 150 Birmingham households received water filters and guidance on reducing lead exposure amidst ongoing water pipe construction. For customers participating in the voluntary in-home testing, Birmingham Water Works conducts water analysis from faucets, identifying any lead issues within the household piping.

The utility will provide water filter pitchers to homes identified with potential lead risks. This measure is particularly crucial for protecting vulnerable groups such as children under six and pregnant women, who are most at risk from lead exposure.

Homes built after 1989 are generally considered free of lead plumbing due to regulatory updates implemented at that time. However, for older homes, lead can infiltrate drinking water through corroded plumbing materials. Factors influencing who receives the letters include historical records, field inspections, and predictive modeling to determine the presence and condition of service lines.

In compliance with a 2019 consent order from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, Birmingham Water Works is formulating a lead service line replacement plan, prioritizing replacements for lines with elevated lead levels. Customers are encouraged to utilize free water filter pitchers, request regular in-home water testing, and consider hiring a plumber to replace lead-containing service lines.