Lead exposure is a serious health concern, and EBMUD has several ongoing efforts to test for lead in water and minimize our customers' exposure to lead.
-
There is no lead in the water produced by our water treatment plants. However, lead can get into drinking water as it passes through pipes and plumbing materials that contain lead. Therefore, we employ two different strategies: 1) remove lead-bearing materials, and 2) reduce the corrosiveness of the water.
-
EBMUD has removed all known lead service lines. We continue to remove lead materials (like lead fittings) whenever they are found. Our crews are trained to recognize and remove legacy lead components that are occasionally encountered during regular work in repairing or replacing water pipes.
-
We have a corrosion control program in place, which minimizes corrosion in both our distribution pipes and household and private property plumbing. If any lead pipes or fixtures still exist in homes or private properties, our corrosion control minimizes lead leaching into the water. Corrosion control has been part of our operation since the 1930’s.
-
We do extensive testing to ensure that EBMUD water is minimally corrosive.
-
EBMUD spearheaded a campaign to minimize lead in household faucets, resulting in the passage of California law AB 1953 that went into effect in 2010. That law reduced the lead content standard for drinking water plumbing from 4 percent to 0.25 percent. In 2011, President Obama signed into law a national “Get the Lead Out” bill, modeled after California’s law. It went into effect in 2014.
Lead information and galvanized iron pipes
EBMUD has a program where customers can get their tap water tested for lead for free.
Lead sampling in schools and childcare centers
As required by state regulations, EBMUD worked with schools in our service area to sample their drinking water for lead in 2017-2019. Licensed childcare centers must sample for lead as part of their state licensing requirement.
In accordance with EPA regulations, EBMUD developed an inventory of lead service lines. The locations of former lead service lines have been identified and included on an Interactive look-up map. Users can look-up specific addresses to see if they used to have a lead service line.
A galvanized iron pipe that used to be connected to a lead pipe could be a problem. Under some specific conditions, lead particles can attach to the surface of the galvanized pipe, and then over time the particles can detach and enter the drinking water.
Frequent asked questions about lead
Lead is a toxic metal. Elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems. Pregnant women, infants and young children are typically more vulnerable to lead in drinking water than the general population. You cannot smell or taste lead, but there are reliable methods to test for it.
No, this kind of incident is unlikely to happen here for a number of reasons. Lead in drinking water comes from materials containing lead such as service lines and home plumbing. EBMUD used to have some lead service lines, but these have all been replaced we continue to remove lead materials (such as small fittings) whenever they are found. We also maintain an active corrosion control program to reduce lead leaching from pipes.
Still, some homes and buildings in our service area may have lead pipes, soldered joints, or fixtures containing lead. It is possible that lead levels at your home may be higher than at other homes in the community as a result of materials used in your home’s plumbing. If you are concerned about lead in your home’s plumbing, you can have your water tested at no cost. Call EBMUD Customer Service at 866-403-2683 and request a lead test. You can also click “Contact Us” at the top of this page to send us an email. Under “Topic” select “Water Quality”.
EBMUD takes lead exposure seriously and has taken proactive steps to promote lead-free faucets and fixtures. A public health campaign spearheaded by EBMUD resulted in the passage of a California law (AB 1953-Chan) to reduce the lead content standard for drinking water plumbing from 4 percent to 0.25 percent. In 2011, President Obama signed into law a national “Get the Lead Out” bill, modeled after California’s law.
EBMUD collects water samples from homeowners’ taps every three years as required by federal and state law. Participants are chosen based on their homes’ year of construction, taking into consideration the possibility of lead within the structures’ pipelines. Those test results have consistently shown EBMUD to be in compliance with federal and state laws.
To view EBMUD’s latest Annual Water Quality Report, click here. If you would like a report mailed to you, email us at custsvc@ebmud.com or call 510-986-7555.
At no cost to you, you may request a voucher for a certified lab to test your tap water. More information about EBMUD's free lead sample voucher program is here. Request a lead voucher by calling Customer Service at 1-866-403-2683 or email custsvc@ebmud.com.
Additional resources
- If you are in Alameda County, please visit the Alameda County's Healthy Homes Department, the county's Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.
- If you are in Contra Costa County, please visit the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.
There are steps you can take to reduce your exposure to lead in drinking water. If your water has been sitting for several hours or overnight, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing the lines. Run your faucet for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking (capture and reuse this water for other uses such as watering ornamental plants), and avoiding consuming water from the hot water tap, where lead is more likely to be present. You can find more guidance at DrinkTap.org.
Old faucets, especially those made before 1986, can be a source of lead in drinking water. If you live in an unincorporated part of Alameda County, you may be eligible to receive help with minor home repairs including plumbing. More information is availalbe here.
For more information about water quality or to report a water quality concern, please call us at 866-403-2683. We respond to all water-quality related calls within one business day.
No. Boiling waters kills microorganisms that may cause disease, so it is sometimes recommended if water has become contaminated with pathogens (disease-causing microbes). However, boiling does not remove lead.
More information on lead in drinking water, testing methods and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the U.S Environmental Protection Agency Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 or online at epa.gov/safewater/lead.