Any work on or near a lead service line, such as the replacement of a water main, service line, or meter, may move, vibrate, or physically disturb the lead water service line, which can release lead particles and cause a temporary increase of lead levels in water. Lead levels can increase while the work is ongoing and for up to six months after the work is completed. Lead particles may collect in low‐lying sections of pipe or behind faucet aerators (screens), increasing the risk of lead exposure until they are fully flushed or cleaned out.
Lead can be harmful even at very low levels. Following the instructions listed below will help protect you from increased lead levels and flush work‐related lead particles out of your plumbing.
Determine which of the following recommended precautions you should take based on the type of work being done.
Precautions
Whole‐house flushing should be performed after the plumbing work is completed and BEFORE using any water. Make sure your icemaker and any other water‐using appliances are turned off and do not use any hot water until after performing the Whole‐House Flushing instructions below.
Whole‐House Flushing Instructions
- Locate all cold water faucets in the house where you can run the water without the sink or tub overflowing. Include all sinks and bathtub faucets as flushing points. For showers attached to bathtubs, use the tub faucet as a flushing point and do not run water through the showerhead. If the shower is NOT attached to a bathtub AND the showerhead can be removed, include the shower as a flushing point. Set any home water treatment devices, like water softeners, to bypass mode.
- Remove aerators (screens) from faucets and remove showerheads.
- Beginning in the lowest level of the home, fully open the cold water faucets throughout the home.
- Let the water run for at least 30 minutes at the last faucet you opened (top floor). All faucets should remain on during the flush.
- Do not consume tap water, open hot water faucets, or use icemaker or filtered water dispenser until after flushing is complete.
- Turn off each faucet starting with the faucets in the highest level of the home.
- Reattach faucet aerators and showerheads. Clean any debris from aerators before reattachment.
- If your lead or galvanized service line was replaced, repeat this procedure every 2 weeks for 3 months.
Download Flushing Instructions
Next Flush Daily
If your water has not been used for several hours, such as overnight, turn the cold water on for a few minutes to bring in fresh water from the water main before consuming the water. This is recommended for any home but is especially important for homes with older plumbing that contains lead.
Previous Whole-House Flushing
Next Filter Your Water
if you replaced your lead service line, lead connector (gooseneck), or meter
Please be advised that lead levels in your water may be elevated for up to six months following the plumbing replacement. Filtering your water using a filter certified to remove lead (NSF/ANSI Standard 53) will reduce the amount of lead in your water. Use a filter for all drinking and cooking water for the next six months. Water is safe for showering and other uses. Some filters are designed to last six months while other filters may need to be replaced more often. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using and maintaining the filter.
Previous Flush Daily
Next Test Your Water
if your lead service line was replaced
Approximately three months after your service line replacement, contact Lincoln Water System at 402‐441‐7571 option 2 to request your free lead test kit.
Previous Filter Your Water