Important Notice for Residents About Lead Exposure and Water Safety
Dear Residents,
We want to inform you about an important issue regarding the water supply in our community, especially for those living in older homes.
Recently, we sent out a letter addressing the potential risks associated with galvanized pipes, which may be present in homes built before July 1988. While our water system does not include lead service lines, homes with galvanized piping can still pose a risk of lead exposure, as these pipes may corrode over time.
Why is this important? Lead is a toxic substance that can be harmful, particularly to developing fetuses, infants, and young children. It’s crucial to take precautions to minimize any potential exposure.
What are we doing? At Knox Chapman Utility District, we are committed to providing safe and reliable water. Knox Chapman has never had lead service lines at any point in the past. Additionally, Knox Chapman has replaced 99% of our galvanized water service lines over the last 20 years and plan to have 100% replaced by January of 2025.
What can you do? If you live in an older home, we encourage you to check whether your service line is made of galvanized or lead piping. The most effective way to eliminate risks from lead in your water is to replace these pipes. In the meantime, you can take immediate action by letting your cold-water faucet run for 30 to 45 seconds before using it, especially when first using it in the morning.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (865) 577-4497.
Together, we can work towards ensuring a safe drinking water supply for our community.
Below is a link to the current Lead Service Line Inventory Data Sheet, a copy of the letter that was sent to homes built prior to 1988, and a copy of the Potential Lead Exposure Risk Notice that was included with the letter.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter!
