There is nothing more important to New Ulm Public Utilities (NUPU) than providing our customers with safe, reliable, affordable water. As part of this mission, we want to help keep your household safe from lead.

New Ulm’s drinking water is clean and safe to drink when it leaves the NUPU Water Treatment Plant, but lead can dissolve into the water from customers’ service lines, household plumbing materials and faucets that contain lead. To control lead in water mains, NUPU treats the water with a compound that forms a protective coating inside pipes.

The US Environmental Control Agency has identified lead as a toxin that is harmful to human health. Infants, young children, and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of lead because it accumulates in the body. There is no identified “safe” level of lead so, wherever possible, households should seek to reduce and eliminate exposure.

NUPU’s goal is to replace any publicly owned portion of all lead service lines and mains. Our first step in this important process is to take inventory of what type of pipe material is used in the privately owned portion of water service lines. We will add this information to the data that we’re simultaneously collecting on the publicly owned portion. This inventory will help us map out areas of town that may have lead.

We will need the help of all homeowners to accomplish this important first step. We ask that you assess the water service line coming into your home and send us that information on a form available on the NUPU’s website. The NUPU newsletter you should have received has additional information and a QR code that can take you to the survey form.

If you prefer to have a representative of the Water Department assess your service line, you can call to make an appointment. To fill out the form go to:

forms.ci.new-ulm.mn.us/forms/leadandcoppersurvey

If you prefer an appointment with a Water Department representative for the water service line assessment call: 507-359-8279

Q&A

How do I identify what material my service line is?

To identify your service line pipe material, find the service line coming into your home – generally in the basement. Lead pipe is a dull grey color and very soft. If scraped with a key, it will turn a bright silver color. Try sticking a magnet to the pipe — even a strong magnet will not stick to lead.

You can also view images on our website;

www.newulmmn.gov/564/lead-service-line-LSL

What is “privately” owned and what is “publicly” owned? What am I, the homeowner, responsible for?

The property boundary is at the curb stop, generally in the boulevard. Everything from the curb stop to the home is privately owned by the homeowner and the homeowner’s responsibility. Everything from the curb stop to the water main under the street is publicly owned and is NUPU’s responsibility.

How do I reduce my exposure to lead?

• If your water has not been used for several hours, run the tap for 2 minutes to ensure you are getting fresh water from the main service line. To flush lines conservatively, you could wash a load of clothes, run the dishwasher, shower, or flush the toilet.

• Never use water from the hot water tap for cooking or mixing baby formula. Hot water causes higher amounts of lead to be released from plumbing materials. Instead, heat cold water.

• Use a water filter that is certified for lead removal. These could be ones that attach to the end of a faucet or used in pitchers.

• Remove and clean faucet aerators. Sediment and lead particles can be trapped by the screen on the end of faucets. Regularly remove and clean these.

• Replace all lead plumbing components. Lead solder, lead piping, and brass fixtures that contain lead could be part of your private plumbing. A licensed plumber can help.

Where can I get more information?

New Ulm Public Utilities website: www.newulmmn.gov/564/lead-service-line has additional information as well as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water

You can also call NUPU Water Department at 507-359-8279.

Let’s work together to get the lead out!

— From New Ulm Public Utilities