Lead can enter drinking water when plumbing materials that contain lead corrode, especially where the water has high acidity or low mineral content that corrodes pipes and fixtures. Moscow’s source water (from the wells) is neutral, meaning it is not acidic.
The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes, faucets, and fixtures. In homes with lead pipes that connect the home to the water main, also known as lead services lines, these pipes are typically the most significant source of lead in the water. Lead pipes are more likely to be found in older cities and homes built before 1986. Among homes without lead service lines, the most common problem is with brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and plumbing with lead solder.
The Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) requires all community water systems to sample at locations that may be particularly susceptible to high lead or copper concentrations. The LCR establishes a tiering system for prioritizing sampling sites.
Moscow samples for compliance with the LCR every three years (see latest Annual Consumer Confidence report) at those prioritized sampling sites. The City of Moscow has never violated the LCR and will actively assist system customers that have a concern. Please call Kyle Steele, Environmental Services Manager, at 208-883-7230 for additional information.