Bismarck Water Utilities is warning of the risk of lead in drinking water.
Homes that were built before the 1940’s are are more likely to have lead service lines.
But the Environmental Protection Agency recommends drinking water to be free of lead, entirely.
Even though water from the Bismarck treatment plant doesn’t have lead in it, water flowing through lead service lines could be contaminated.
The city is urging those who have older homes to get their water tested.
If lead is found in your drinking water, you can install a filter, or the city will help cover some of the cost of replacing the service line.
“The homeowner would have responsibilities from the curb stop to the meter in their home. But we’re willing to have that assessed over 15 years and help with the financing of that portion of it, as well,” Michelle Klose, Bismarck Water Utilities says.
Hundreds of Bismarck homes could contain lead service lines.
To have water tested you can contact the Minnesota Valley Testing Laboratory or North Dakota Department of Health.
Another easy way to check is to call Bismarck Public Works at 701-355-1700. You can schedule a visit from a Field Service Representative to confirm if you have a lead service line.
