Lead is a toxic metal that can cause immediate health effects at high doses and long-term health effects, even at lower doses, if it builds up in the body over many years. Lead can cause brain and kidney damage in addition to effects on the blood and vitamin D metabolism. Pregnant women and young children are particularly vulnerable because the physical and behavioral effects of lead occur at lower exposure levels in children than in adults.

In children, low levels of exposure have been linked to central and peripheral nervous system damage, learning disabilities, shorter stature, impaired hearing, and impaired formation and function of blood cells.

While people are more commonly exposed to lead through paint, soil and dust, U.S. EPA estimates infants who consume mostly mixed formula can receive 40% to 60% of their exposure to lead from drinking water.

No. Since the development of Highlands Ranch in the early 80s, the community’s development guidelines have always required copper service lines. Use of lead in pipes, solder and other plumbing materials was banned by the Safe Drinking Water Act by 1986, thus Solstice similarly was never developed with lead service lines.

Water mains are the underground pipes that deliver water from the treatment plant to buildings, homes and other facilities in our service area. Highlands Ranch Water owns and is responsible for maintaining and replacing water mains in our service area.

The individual property owner is responsible for the water service lines that allow delivery of water from the mains to their address. Service lines begin at the property’s curb stop or shut-off valve and continue to the water meter in the home.

Lead is not present when water flows from Highlands Ranch Water’s treatment facility, nor is it present in the water mains running beneath the streets. However, in some older homes lead may be present in the home plumbing. If your home was built between 1983 and 1987, your copper service lines may have been installed with lead solder.

Highlands Ranch Water keeps our finished water in a certain corrosivity range to prevent any lead from leaching out of lead solder and home plumbing fixtures.

Because it is colorless and tasteless, lead is not readily apparent in water. In fact, the only way to know for certain whether your drinking water contains lead is to have your water tested by a certified laboratory. Contact Highlands Ranch Water for more information.

Lead can be harmful even at very low levels and can accumulate in our bodies over time, so wherever possible steps should be taken to reduce or eliminate your household’s exposure. While risks vary based on individual circumstances and the amount of water consumed, no concentration of lead is considered “safe.” Households with pregnant women, infants, or young children are most vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead at low levels.

The best way to remove risks of lead in water is to completely replace all sources of lead. But there are also steps you can take right away to reduce lead levels in your water.

1. Run the tap before use – Lead levels are likely at their highest when water has been sitting in the pipe for several hours. Clear this water from your pipes by running the cold water for several minutes. This allows you to draw fresh water from the main.
2. Clean aerators – Aerators are small attachments at the tips of faucets which regulate the flow of water. They can accumulate small particles of lead in their screens. It’s a good idea to remove your aerators at least monthly and clean them out.
3. Use cold water for cooking and drinking – Always cook and prepare baby formula with cold water, because hot water dissolves lead more quickly, resulting in higher levels in water.
4. Filter the water – Many home water filters are effective at removing lead. If you purchase a filter, make sure it is certified for lead removal and that you maintain it properly. Find out more on filter certification online from NSF International.

Households with pregnant women, infants or young children should be especially aware of the potential for lead exposure through drinking water. If you suspect there may be lead in your home plumbing, consider having your water tested at a certified laboratory. If lead is detected, consider purchasing a filter certified for lead removal or using an alternate source of water until the problem is corrected.

Babies and young children are most vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead at low levels. U.S. EPA estimates infants who consume mostly mixed formula can receive 40% to 60% of their exposure to lead from drinking water.

In order to prevent lead from dissolving into water from home plumbing, Highlands Ranch Water adjusts the water’s chemistry at the treatment plant. This process is known as corrosion control. We sample water at homes considered to be high risk to ensure our corrosion control remains effective. Although corrosion control can reduce risks, the best way to assure your home is safe from lead exposure through water is to remove the potential sources of lead.

We test copper and lead levels, in addition to many other constituents in drinking water, according to federal and state laws. The information is reported in the Water Quality Report published annually every spring.

No. If you purchase a water filter or home treatment device, make sure it is independently certified for lead removal and that you maintain it properly. Find out more on filter certification at www.nsf.org.

No. In fact, lead in drinking water generally represents only about 20% of total exposure, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, drinking water can account for more than half of lead exposure in children because of their lower body weight. Additionally, because no level of lead is considered safe, eliminating potential sources of lead is strongly advised.