The City of Monticello Public Works is sending out a form regarding your (homeowner’s) private water service line. This comes as part of a recent push from the EPA and Iowa DNR to have a better inventory of the water service lines of homeowners, to assess the safety of our town’s water supply; more specifically, better knowing where there may be lead in the water.
What materials are water service lines made of? When was each material used?
Lead in drinking water originates from the lead pipes, fittings, and soldering used in plumbing from a source, such as a water tower or a well, to a household. Pipes, fittings, and soldering can also be made of copper, plastic, and galvanized steel. Copper became the most used material between 1940-1960, and plastic became more popular after 1990. The National Congress’s 1986 Amendment to the Safe Drinking Water Act prohibited the installment of lead into plumbing systems, and was effective in 1988. We are confident that there are very few lead pipes installed throughout the City of Monticello for 3 reasons; many homes were constructed after copper became the most used in service lines, after the Safe Drinking Water Amendment, or had breaks in water lines that sparked an opportunity to install copper lines. Additionally, all City-owned water lines are made of either copper or plastic; it is only the private lines managed by homeowners that have a chance of being lead.
Why should I be concerned about lead in my drinking water?
Lead is toxic to ingest (to drink, eat); according to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (IDPHH) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC), lead in any amount can possibly harm a child’s central nervous system and are related to reduced IQ, behavioral problems, and learning disabilities.
Is this something that I should worry about now?
There is no immediate threat to the residents of Monticello; this form is preventative maintenance by establishing an inventory of water service lines, giving homeowners and the City of Monticello a chance to take initiative and remove possible lead from water lines. The best thing that you can do for yourself and dependents is to fill out the form to the best of your ability and in a timely manner. There is a physical letter and an online form that have the same exact questions and content. Everyone may access the online form through the link below, and a physical letter will be sent to you only if we have deemed it safer to send a letter and double check what your service line is made of. Homes newer than 1988, homes constructed around 1960-1970 in newer parts of town, and locations of renovation to the service lines may not receive a physical letter, but you are more than welcome to fill out the online form.