About Lead Pipes

Lead is a metal commonly found in the environment. In the past, it was used widely in paint, as a petrol additive, and for plumbing materials. Although no longer used for water pipes, properties built before 1970 may have lead pipes somewhere between the tap in the kitchen and the main in the street outside.

It is believed that more than about 40% of properties in the North West have some lead plumbing. Water that leaves our treatment plants contains virtually no lead however, it may pick up lead as it passes through lead pipes. The two commonest forms of lead are soluble lead, and particulate lead. Soluble lead concentrations depend on water quality, quantity of lead pipe, and water use. Generally, particulate lead is only an issue when a pipe is disturbed.

Is lead harmful?

Yes. Over time lead can build up in the body and cause harm. Children and babies are particularly at risk because of the possible effect on mental development. Lead can also be passed to the unborn child. Infants, children up to six years of age and pregnant women are most susceptible to the adverse health effects of lead. The Government advises that people should minimise their exposure to lead from all sources, including drinking water.

How do I know if there is lead in my drinking water?

If you have lead pipes in your home or connecting it to the water main in the street, there may be some lead in your water supply. If your house was built after 1970, or has been fully re-plumbed, there should be no lead pipework. If you are unsure, you can make a simple check. Find the pipe running to the kitchen tap and check along its length to see whether it is lead. Unpainted lead pipes are dull grey, but if scraped gently will reveal a bright silver-coloured metal underneath. You may also be able to see the pipe leading into the property from the outside stop tap. If you are still unsure a qualified plumber will be able to advise you.

Who is responsible for the water pipes?

We are responsible for the communication pipe from our water main to the boundary of the street where our main is (see diagram). In most cases this includes the external stop tap. The remainder of this supply pipe and all internal plumbing is your responsibility if you are the owner; otherwise it is your landlord's. Many older properties, particularly terraced houses, are served by a common supply pipe. This pipe provides water to several houses from a single connection to our water main.

A typical arrangement for a property with single connection

How can I reduce lead levels?

The most effective way is to replace the lead pipework between the external stop tap and the kitchen tap. If you do this we will replace the length of lead pipe that is our responsibility and is free of charge.

There are simple short-term precautions that you can take to reduce the amount of lead in the water used for cooking and drinking.

• Use only COLD water- boiling will NOT remove lead.
• If the tap has not been used for some time e.g. overnight, run the tap to flush out water that has been standing in the pipes. In most circumstances you only need to fill a washing-bowl. Do not waste this water - it can be used for other purposes such as watering plants.
• You will need to flush the tap for longer if your property is more than 50 metres from the main. As a guide 10 metres of pipe holds 1.2 litres of water.
• It is not possible to completely flush out very long supply pipes (pipes greater than about 50 metres) and in these circumstances you should give serious consideration to having the lead pipework replaced.
• If you decide to give infants bottled water, or use it for preparing infant formula, ensure that it contains less than 200 mg per littre of sodium, sometimes written as 'Na'. Check the bottle label for details.
• Filters are available to remove particulate lead, which are particularly useful if your water contains lead-rich particles. However, to be effective, filter devices must be used according to manufacturers' instructions.
• When installing new plumbing or repairing or modifying existing plumbing always use lead free solder.
• Avoid disturbing or knocking lead pipes. Such mechanical action can generate particulate lead.
• Do not lay hot water pipes alongside or close to cold water pipes.

 

A typical arrangement for property with multiple connections

What are we doing about lead pipes?

Drinking water is treated to minimise the amount of lead pick up. This treatment, which started in 1996, has been very effective, achieving a ten-fold reduction in the average concentration of lead. Lead concentrations in drinking water are checked regularly by taking samples from customers' properties.

If a sample is found to contain lead in excess of the current legal standard, which is 25 micrograms per litre, we will write to the customer advising that they should consider having their lead pipework replaced. We will replace any lead pipe between our main and the street boundary.

Where can I get further information?

Please call us on 0845 746 2200. If you have hearing or speech difficulties and use a textphone, please dial 18001 before the number you require.

Your local authority Environmental Health Department can provide advice; this may be particularly helpful if you live in rented accommodation. Their number will be listed in your local telephone directory.

The Drinking Water Inspectorate is responsible for ensuring the quality of public water supplies. Visit their website for more information.

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