Westmont, Illinois - Date Issued: May 24, 2022
Earlier today, the Westmont Water Department began water infrastructure repairs in specific areas of the community. The areas affected by the repair will have their water shut off on Friday May 27 until approximately 1:00 p.m. After repairs are completed, the Westmont Water Division recommends that residents and businesses affected by this situation will boil all drinking water for the next three days, ending the water boil recommendation on Tuesday, May 31. The repair is in regard to compliance upgrades pertaining to new lead and copper regulations.
The specific areas affected by this repair include water customers at the following locations. These locations were notified of the shutoffs and water boil via notices that were hand-delivered prior to the repair.
- Oakwood Drive
- Williamsburg Street
- Jamestown Avenue
- Tartan Lakes
In accordance with both state and federal law, boiling all drinking water is recommended as a precaution. State and Federal Environmental Protection Agencies require notification of residents when low pressure conditions exist to protect against the possibility of contaminants entering the system.
WATER SAFETY INFORMATION
This water main repair may affect the lead content of the potable water supply where the repairs occurred. Lead, a metal found in natural deposits, is harmful to human health. The most common exposure to lead is swallowing or breathing in lead paint chips and dust. However, lead in drinking water can also be a source of lead exposure. In the past, lead was used in some water service lines and household plumbing materials. Lead in water usually occurs through corrosion of plumbing products containing lead; however, disruption (construction or maintenance) of lead service lines may also temporarily increase lead levels in the water supply. This disruption may be sometimes caused by water main maintenance/replacement such as this one.
As of June 19, 1986 new or replaced water service lines and new household plumbing materials could not contain more than 8% lead. Lead content was further reduced on January 4, 2014, when plumbing materials must now be certified as "lead free” to be used (weighted average of wetted surface cannot be more than 0.25% lead.) While it's not known for certain whether or not this particular construction project will adversely affect the lead (if present) plumbing in and outside of your home, below describes some preventative measures you can take to help reduce the amount of lead in drinking water.
REDUCING LEAD EXPOSURE IN DRINKING WATER
- Run your water to flush out lead.
- If the plumbing in your home is accessible, you may be able to inspect your own plumbing where it enters the home to determine whether or not you have a lead service line. The pipe is generally either lead or copper. If you do not have a lead service line, running the water for 1-2 minutes at the kitchen tap should clear the lead from your household plumbing to the kitchen tap. Once you have done this, fill a container with water and store it in the refrigerator for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula throughout the day. If you do have a lead service line, flushing times can vary based on the length of your lead service line and the plumbing configuration in your home. The length of lead service lines varies considerably. Flushing for at least 3-5 minutes is recommended.
- Use cold water for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula. Do not cook with or drink water from the hot water tap; lead dissolves more easily into hot water. Do not use water from the hot tap to make baby formula.
- Look for alternative sources or treatment of water. You may want to consider bottled water or a water filter that is certified to remove "total.lead”.
- Clean and remove any debris from faucet aerators on a regular basis
- Do not boil water to remove lead. Boiling water will not reduce lead.
- Purchase and use lead-free faucets and plumbing components.
- Remove and replace the entire lead service line.
- Test your water for lead. Citizens may contact Suburban Lab at 708-544-3260 for testing. Laboratories will send you bottles for sample collection. Please note that the Village of Westmont is not affiliated with the laboratories and they will charge you a fee.
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