Lead pipe replacement
We've started work on an £18 million programme of work to replace old lead pipes in Leeds.
The scheme will take three years to complete and involves relining or replacing 32,000 communication pipes which connect our water mains to customers' private pipes.
Where we're working
We'll be working in the following areas:
Horsforth, Hawksworth, Weetwood, West Park, Headingley, Moortown, Chapel Allerton, Meanwood, Chapeltown, Potternewton, Kirkstall, Woodhouse, Hyde Park, Bramley, Rodley, Swinnow and Armley.
Why we're doing the work
The scheme will ensure that we comply with a new, tighter standard for lead in drinking water which is due to come into effect in 2013.
While the water which leaves our treatment works does not contain any lead, it can absorb small traces of the metal if left to stand a long time in lead supply pipes or internal plumbing.
The existing standard of 25µg/l (parts per billion) of lead in drinking water already has wide safety margins built in to protect public health, however experts believe the most prudent approach is to keep lead levels as low as possible.
The new European standard, which is due to be introduced in 2013, will therefore reduce the level to 10µg/l (parts per billion).
Who's responsible for water pipework?
It's important to know who's responsible for pipework, as this usually dictates who will have to pay for maintenance or repairs.
Lead in everyday life
Lead comes from many sources, such as car exhausts and old paintwork. It may also be naturally present in air, food, soil and water. Too much exposure to lead can be harmful to health.
While the water from our treatment works does not contain lead, it can absorb small traces of the metal if left to stand a long time in lead supply pipes or internal plumbing.
How can I find out if there is lead in my drinking water?
We regularly take samples of the water supplied to homes in your area and test them for lead.
Check the quality of water in your area.
How do I know if I have lead pipes?
If your home was built before 1970 it may have lead pipes - after that time, it is unlikely because there was a change in building regulations.
Look in and behind your kitchen cupboards and find the pipe leading to the kitchen tap. Lead pipes are dull grey. They are also soft. If you gently scrape the surface of the pipe, you will see the shiny, silver-coloured metal beneath.
Other pipe materials in common use are:
- Copper - bright, hard and dull brown
- Iron - dark, very hard and may be rusty
- Plastic - predominantly blue but may be grey or black
What can I do to reduce levels of lead in my tap water?
If lead pipes are causing high levels of lead in your drinking water, you can take the following simple, short-term precaution:
Do not drink water that has been standing in pipes for long periods (ie overnight or if nobody has been in for several hours). In these circumstances, draw off a washing-up bowl of water from the kitchen tap first. You can then use the water from your kitchen tap as usual. The water you draw off need not be wasted - why not use it to water your plants?
A more effective, longer-term solution would be to replace the lead pipes in your property with plastic or copper ones. We recognise, however, that this may be too expensive for some customers on low incomes. In these circumstances, however, grants for renovation and minor works can be obtained from your local authority.
If a customer does replace the lead pipes on their property, our policy is to replace any lead pipes owned by ourselves that serve that property.
