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mpw utility information

Lead Service Line Information

Muscatine Power and Water (MPW) and all Community Water Systems (CWS) in Iowa were tasked by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to identify water service lines in their communities that are made of either lead or galvanized pipe by October 2024. The IDNR’s intention is to work toward replacement of all lead service lines in the state over the next 10 years.

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. MPW wants to assure the community the water is safe to drink.

a graphic of homeowner vs mpw maintained water lines
woman with a happy questioning look

how this impacts you

What This Information Means For MPW Customers

  • MPW customers were mailed a letter to their address on file with us regarding the status of your water service lines.  The bulk of the contents of that email are included on this page, however, additional details can be found below.  YOUR WATER IS SAFE TO DRINK.
  • People living in homes with a lead service line may have an increased risk of exposure to lead from their drinking water.
  • MPW needs to complete a full inventory of service line material to finalize its plans to meet the EPA’s requirement of replacing all lead service lines in the USA over the next 10 years.
  • Our team will reach out to affected homeowners directly to discuss next steps and the timeline for the replacement of your service line.  We are dedicated to the well-being of our community and supporting our customers with service line replacement, if needed.
  • 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 keep customers informed every step of the way to ensure a seamless process.

MPW is dedicated to the well-being of our community and is proud to be part of this initiative to improve 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.

Health effects of lead

At this time, there is no indication that your drinking water 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

Regularly remove and clean your faucet’s screen (also known as an aerator). Sediment, debris, and lead particles can collect in your aerator. If lead particles are caught in the aerator, lead can get into your water. 

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.

a graphic of homeowner vs mpw maintained water 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.

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 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?
For questions about this project and the replacement of lead service lines, please contact our civil engineer, Andrew Ellis at 563-262-3312 or email him.
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 you a letter notifying you of your status regarding your 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.  We will notify you via one of these methods if your service lines need replaced.  From there, MPW will communicate with you next steps, however, this is a 10-year project, and lines will be replaced over that 10-year period.

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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