Earlier this month, the City of Salida sent out a notice to residents and homeowners informing them of new state and federal laws that required the city to inventory water service lines within Salida’s service area.
Salida Public Works Director David Lady said approximately 45 percent of Salida’s pipes are in the “unknown” category and require notice to homeowners. Although lead service lines are not common in Salida, galvanized service lines were commonly installed prior to the 1980s.
Lady said many have since been replaced due to capital projects to homes or when leaks have emerged.
“To date, no full lead service lines have been identified. Galvanized, copper and HDPE (high density polyethylene material) are the most prevalent materials used locally,” Lady said.
Homeowners are expected to cover the cost for “the private service lines or plumbing on their property, with the city being responsible to fund ‘replacement of service lines from the mains up to the meter pit when upgrading infrastructure.’ The cost can vary considerably depending on length, depth and scope related to a line replacement,” Lady said.
Lady said most plumbers would be able to identify a lead or galvanized material pipe from a quick inspection, and the Colorado Department of Public Heath and Environment offers resources related to lead and copper testing and identification at cdphe.colorado.gov/lcr.
Chaffee County Public Health staff nurse Jane Cole said that, for children, testing for elevated levels of lead in their blood is an important step in protecting their health.
“Early detection allows us to prevent lifelong impacts on learning, growth and development. While not every child needs to be tested for lead, it is important to be aware of common sources of exposure. These include: certain home remedies, foods, sources imported informally from abroad, soil contaminated by lead from old structures, family members’ occupations involving lead-based materials such as construction, mining, welding and plumbing, hobbies like stained glass making and furniture refinishing,” Cole said, among other possible exposure sources.
She said regarding the notice sent out by the city, CCPH is asking that “families work with the city and follow the steps outlined in the letter to check the status of their home’s pipes and to contact the city with any questions or concerns. Parents who wish to have their children tested for lead can call Chaffee County Public Health to schedule an appointment,” she said.
The test for elevated lead in the blood is a finger prick, and results are available within 15 minutes.
For more information about the notice, call 719-539-6257 or email [email protected].
