Although more than 90% of homes in Manhattan Beach that were tested in the last 10 years have lead levels below the “Action Level” (AL) of 15 parts per billion (ppb), or 0.015 milligrams of lead per liter of water (mg/l), there is concern that the drinking water of some homes or buildings constructed prior to 1989 may have lead levels above the AL. Prior to 1989, lead based solder was commonly used to join copper piping in household plumbing and many plumbing fixtures (faucets) also contained lead. Lead can pose a significant risk to your health if too much of it enters your body. Lead builds up in the body over many years and can cause damage to the brain, red blood cells and kidneys. The greatest risk is to young children (under age 6) and pregnant women and their fetuses.

STEPS YOU CAN TAKE IN THE HOME TO REDUCE YOUR EXPOSURE TO LEAD IN DRINKING WATER
You may wish to find out whether you need to take action in your own home by having your drinking water tested to determine if it contains excessive concentrations of lead. Testing the water is essential because you cannot see, taste, or smell lead in drinking water. Some local laboratories that can provide this service are listed at the end of this article.

If a water test indicates that the drinking water drawn from a tap in your home contains lead above 15 ppb, or 0.015 mg/L, then you should take the following precautions:

• (A) Let the water run from the tap before using it for drinking or cooking any time the water in a faucet has gone unused for more than six hours. The longer water resides in the plumbing the more lead it may contain. Before drinking, flush the tap by running the cold water faucet until the water gets noticeable colder, usually about 15-30 seconds. Although toilet flushing or showering flushes water through a portion of the plumbing system, you still need to flush the water in each faucet before using it for drinking or cooking. Flushing tap water is a simple and inexpensive measure you can take to protect your health. It usually uses less than one or two gallons of water and costs very little. If you wish to conserve water, fill a couple of bottles for drinking water after flushing the tap, and whenever possible use the first flush water to wash the dishes or water the plants.
• (B) Try not to cook with, or drink water from the hot water tap. Hot water can dissolve more lead and other metals more quickly than cold water. If you need hot water, draw water from the cold tap and heat it on the stove.
• (C) Remove loose solder and debris from the plumbing fixtures installed in your home. To do this, remove the faucet strainers from all taps and run water from 3 to 5 minutes. Repeat periodically to flush out any debris that has accumulated over time.