mpw utility information
Lead Service Line Information
To comply with a revised U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation, the Iowa Department of Natual Reources (IDNR) tasked all Community Water Systems (CWS) in Iowa, including Muscatine Power and Water (MPW), to identify water service lines in their communities that are made of either lead or galvanized pipe.
Since 1993, MPW has conducted extensive testing for lead, and has never had a sample reach the “action level” limit. In recognition of our consistently low levels of lead, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), has placed the Utility on a reduced monitoring schedule.
Muscatine drinking water lead levels are low due to the addition of small amounts of polyphosphate into our drinking water supply. This treatment coats the inside of the pipe, preventing lead from leaching into the drinking water. We want to assure the community the water from MPW is safe to drink.
how this impacts you
What This Information Means For MPW Customers
- A small number of MPW customers were mailed a letter to their address on file with us regarding the status of their water service lines. The bulk of the contents of that letter are included on this page.
- MPW needs to complete a full inventory of service line material.
- Our team will reach out to affected homeowners directly to discuss next steps.
- If you were already planning on replacing your lead service lines, please notify MPW’s Civil Engineer, Andrew Ellis, at 563-262-3312 or email him to ensure MPW maintains accurate customer information.
- We will share information as we receive it.
- At this time, there is no indication that MPW’s drinking water contains elevated levels of lead.
MPW is dedicated to the well-being of our community, water safety, and quality.
Facts About Lead
(This is not an exhaustive list of all related facts. Please visit the EPA Website for more information.)
About lead
Lead is a toxic metal that occurs naturally in the Earth’s crust. It was once used in paints, gasoline, and some vinyl products. Lead is persistent in the environment and can accumulate in soils and sediments. Lead or galvanized service lines that have absorbed lead can contribute to lead in drinking water. People living in homes with lead or galvanized service lines may have an increased risk of exposure to lead from their drinking water.
Health effects of lead
At this time, there is no indication that your drinking water from MPW contains elevated levels of lead. Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can lead to new learning and behavior problems or worsen existing learning and behavior problems. The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased risk of these negative health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney failure, or nervous system problems.
Steps you can take to reduce lead in drinking water
The following items below are recommended actions that you may take, separately or in combination, if you are concerned about lead in your drinking water. The list also includes where you may find more information and is not intended to be a complete list or to imply that all actions equally reduce lead in drinking water.
Use your filter properly
Using a filter can reduce lead in drinking water. If you use a filter, it should be certified to remove lead. Read any directions provided with the filter to learn how to properly install, maintain, and use your cartridge and when to replace it. Using the cartridge after it has expired can make it less effective at removing lead. Do not run hot water through the filter. For more information on facts and advice on home water filtration systems, visit the EPA’s website.
Clean your aerator
Use cold water
Do not use hot water from the tap for drinking, cooking, or making baby formula as lead dissolves more easily into hot water. Boiling water does not remove lead from water.
Run your water
The more time water sits in pipes providing water to your home, the more lead it may contain. Before drinking, flush your home’s pipes by running the tap, taking a shower, doing laundry, or doing a load of dishes. The amount of time to run the water will depend on whether your home has a lead service line or not, as well as the length and diameter of the service line and the amount of plumbing in your home.
Learn about construction in your neighborhood
Contact our civil engineer, Andrew Ellis, at 563-262-3312 to find out about any construction or maintenance work that could disturb your service line. Construction may cause more lead to be released from a lead service line or galvanized service line if present.
Other Resources
- Contact the Muscatine Public Health Department at 563-263-0122, or the state health department if you have concerns about the health issues caused by lead.
- For more information about reducing lead exposure from drinking water and the health effects of lead, visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Who owns my water service line?
Please refer to this graphic below that details where MPW maintained service lines fall vs. homeowner owned and maintained service lines.
Is there lead in my water?
Water delivered to customers by MPW is lead-free when it leaves our treatment plants, but lead can get into the water as it traverses through customer-owned service lines and plumbing fixtures inside a home if they contain lead. If you would like your water tested in your home, MPW can assist you with that. Please contact Customer Service at 563-263-2631, option 3.
How do I know the water is safe to drink?
Muscatine drinking water lead levels are low due to the addition of small amounts of polyphosphate into our drinking water supply. This treament coats the inside of the pipe, preventing lead from leaching into the drinking water. MPW assures the community the water from MPW is safe to drink.
Can I have my water tested for lead?
Yes. You may contact our Manager of Water and Utilities, Bryan Butler, at 563-262-3360 or email him to have your water evaluated and to learn more about the lead levels in your drinking water. Alternatively, you’re welcome to contact a certified laboratory to have your water evaluated for lead. Please note, a water sample may not adequately capture or represent all sources of lead that may be present. For information on sources of lead that include service lines and interior plumbing, please visit the EPA’s website.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
Who maintains a record of my service line material?
Because service lines are owned by homeowners, they are maintained by the property owner. As of part of this project, MPW is required to gather data regarding the materials used for service lines of all customers we serve.
How do I know if my service line needs replaced?
MPW sent select customers a letter notifying them of their status regarding their service lines. We will also be knocking on doors of all homeowners as well as making phone calls to those whose service lines are in an “unknown” status, meaning we are unaware of what type of service lines you have. MPW will communicate next steps with you.
What if I plan to replace my lead service lines now?
If you are planning on replacing the portion of the service line that you own, please notify MPW Civil Engineer, Andrew Ellis at 563-262-3312, to ensure Muscatine Power and Water maintains correct customer information.
Questions?
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