Important Notices

ENHANCED CONSUMER NOTICE

Lead & Copper Water Sample Results

The Wanship Water Co LLC Water System, I.D. UTAH22019, is providing you with the lead and copper test results for the system. Please share this notice with everyone who uses or drinks the water.

Our water system recently violated a drinking water standard. Although this is not an emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened, what you should do, and what we are doing to correct this situation.

We now routinely monitor for the presence of drinking water contaminants. Testing results we received on 7/10/2022 show that our system exceeded the standard, or action level (AL), for lead.  2 of the 5 samples were above the Action Level of 0.015 mg/L. The homes where these samples were taken have been notified. Do not use these taps for consumption. We will be conducting additional monitoring throughout the system and evaluating if additional remediation or treatment efforts are required.

NOTE: The three other sample sites reported lead levels below the EPA action level in the amounts of: .0090, .0035, and .0007. As I understand it, our system likely has mostly plastic pipes that benefit to provide these lower levels.  But if your house has older metal pipes its much more likely you will have elevated lead levels.  

What is an action level?

An action level is a threshold published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) above which a public water system is required to take steps to ensure public health and educate consumers on how to reduce exposure.

How to interpret results

The EPA has established Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLG). These goals are set at levels at which no adverse health effects are likely to occur with a margin of safety.

Contaminant

EPA Published Maximum Contamination Level Goal (MCLG)

Lead

0

Copper

1,300 ug/L

Health Effects Information

Lead

EPA has set the maximum contaminant level goal for lead in drinking water at zero because lead is a toxic metal that can be harmful to human health even at low exposure levels. Lead is persistent, and it can bio-accumulate in the body over time.

Young children, infants, and fetuses are particularly vulnerable to lead because the physical and behavioral effects of lead occur at lower exposure levels in children than in adults. A dose of lead that would have little effect on an adult can have a significant effect on a child. In children, low levels of exposure have been linked to damage to the central and peripheral nervous system, learning disabilities, shorter stature, impaired hearing, and impaired formation and function of blood cells.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that public health actions be initiated when the level of lead in a child’s blood is 5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) or more.

Copper

Copper is a mineral and natural component in soils. In the correct amounts, it is an essential nutrient for humans and plants. Although copper is an important mineral, too much copper can cause health problems. The MCLG for copper is 1.3 mg/L. Copper is widely distributed within the tissues of the body, but accumulates primarily in the liver and kidneys. A single dose of 15 mg of copper can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and intestinal cramps. Severe cases of copper poisoning have led to anemia and disruption of liver and kidney functions. Individuals with Wilson’s or Menke’s diseases are at higher risk from copper exposure.

How Lead and Copper Get Into Water

Lead and copper in drinking water most often comes from water distribution lines or household plumbing rather than from the water system source. Plumbing sources can include lead pipes, lead solder, faucets, valves, and other components made of brass or copper. Lead from other sources (such as lead based paint and contaminated dust or soil) can increase a person’s overall exposure, which adds to the effects of lead in water.

How you can reduce exposure

Prolonged exposure to lead or copper can result in serious health complications. An individual should consider means to reduce their exposure to lead and copper. Replacement of plumbing material, filtration, and consistent flushing are recommended methods. Often simply replacing the faucet with a certified lead free model can substantially reduce lead in drinking water. The following are steps for reducing lead and copper exposure.

·   When your water has been sitting for several hours, flush the pipe by running the cold water tap until the water is noticeably colder before using the water for drinking or cooking. (The longer water has been sitting in the pipes, the more dissolved metals it may contain).

·   Use only cold water for drinking, cooking, and making baby formula. Hot water may contain higher levels of lead or copper.

·   Frequently clean the filter screens and aerators in faucets to remove captured particles.

·   Consider using a certified water filter

·   If building or remodeling, only use “lead free” or low lead piping and materials. Avoid using copper piping or brass fixtures for locations where water will be consumed or used in food preparation (such as kitchen or bathroom sinks).

More information

For more information, please contact: Grady Kohler at 801-815-4663.

This notice is sent to you by Wanship Water Co LLC Water System on 3/10/23