Lead In Drinking Water
Lead can enter drinking water when plumbing materials that contain lead corrode, especially where the water has high acidity or low mineral content that corrodes pipes and fixtures. The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes, faucets, and fixtures. In homes with lead pipes that connect the home to the water main, also known as lead services lines, these pipes are typically the most significant source of lead in the water. Lead pipes are more likely to be found in older cities and homes built before 1986. Among homes without lead service lines, the most common problem is with brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and plumbing with lead solder. It should be noted that the Sudbury Water District has no lead service lines within it’s distribution system.
In compliance with state and federal regulatory requirements, the District monitors lead and copper levels annually. We sample 30 residential homes, built between 1983 and 1986 when lead and copper were commonly used in household plumbing. School and childcare facilities are also sampled annually, though on an alternating basis on a schedule structured by MassDEP. The results of our lead and copper monitoring can be found in our annual Water Quality Report aka Consumer Confidence Report. If your home was built between 1983 and 1986 and you would like to be added to our list of alternate sample sites, please contact our Administration office at 978-443-6602.
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