• Use cold water for cooking, drinking, and preparing baby formula. Do not cook with, drink, or make baby formula from your hot water tap. Lead dissolves more easily in hot water. Always use cold water and heat if needed.
  • Use an ANSI certified lead filter. Filters certified to the ANSI/NSF 53 standard for lead removal can be effective at reducing lead levels in water.
  • Regularly clean your faucet aerators. Over time, particles containing lead can build up on the inside of aerator screens. Cleaning aerators regularly will help eliminate this source of lead.
  • For pregnant persons, infants, and young children. Some populations such as pregnant persons, infants, and young children may be more at risk from the harmful effects of lead. These populations may consider taking extra precautions if their home is served by a lead or galvanized requiring replacement service line. These extra precautions may include having their drinking water analyzed for lead, using an alternative source of water (such as bottled water), or utilizing a filter certified to ANSI/NSF 53 standard for lead removal.
  • Replace lead containing plumbing fixtures. Many old faucets, valves and other plumbing fixtures may contain lead. Identify if your building’s plumbing fixtures contain lead, and replace them when appropriate.
  • You may wish to have your child’s blood tested for lead. Your local county health department can be reached for additional assistance.

What Can You Do About Your Lead Status Unknown Service Line?

As your PWS, we are required to provide you with information regarding opportunities to determine the material of the service line. Currently, we do not have any planned opportunities. Once available, you will be notified.

For More Information, Please Contact: Scott Loper (loper@oakwoodohio.gov) or Doug Spitler (spitler@oakwoodohio.gov), visit U.S. EPA’s website at www.epa.gov/lead, or visit Ohio EPA’s Learn About Lead website at https://epa.ohio.gov/monitor-pollution/pollution-issues/learn-about-lead. For information about other lead exposure, please visit the Ohio Department of Health’s Childhood Lead Poisoning website at https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/childhood-lead-poisoning.