The "Do not drink water warning" has been lifted by the DDW.
DRINKING WATER ORDER LIFTED
Liberty Pipeline Company water has been tested for heavy metals and is not in violation of drinking water standards.
Safe to Resume Routine Water Use
Summary
Water collected from local Cutler springs has acidic pH levels and is treated with Lime prior to distribution. The treatment system has failed, which increases the likelihood of changes in water quality including the following: Leaching of heavy metals from infrastructure, including Lead and Copper Change in Taste, Odor, and Color
Utah Division of Drinking Water Staff was notified of a treatment system failure to address acid pH at the Cutler Springs. On Friday March 24th, Division staff collected heavy metal samples within the distribution system. The test results were received Tuesday, March 28th, and indicated no exceedances of drinking water standards. The Do Not Drink Order has been lifted and residents can resume water use.
Health Information
How Lead Gets into Water
Lead in drinking water most often comes from water distribution lines or household plumbing rather than from the water system source. Plumbing sources can include lead pipes, lead solder, faucets, valves, and other components made of brass. Lead from other sources (such as lead-based paint and contaminated dust or soil) can increase a person’s overall exposure, which adds to the effects of lead in water.
Potential Health Effects of Lead
The greatest risk of lead exposure is to infants, young children, and pregnant women. Lead can cause serious health problems if too much enters the body. Lead is stored in the bones and can be released later in life. Lead can cause damage to the brain and kidneys, interfere with production of red blood cells that carry oxygen and may result in lowered IQ in children. During pregnancy, the child receives lead from the mother’s bones, which may affect brain development. Low levels of lead can affect adults with high blood pressure or kidney problems.
How Copper Gets Into Water
Copper is a mineral and natural component in soils. In the correct amounts, it is an essential nutrient for humans and plants. In Utah, most copper in drinking water comes from corrosion of household plumbing. Plumbing sources can include copper pipe and brass fixtures. Copper from plumbing corrosion can accumulate overnight.
Potential Health Effects of Copper
Although copper is an essential mineral in the diet, too much copper can cause health problems. Copper is widely distributed within the tissues of the body but accumulates primarily in the liver and kidneys. A single dose of 15 mg of copper can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and intestinal cramps. Severe cases of copper poisoning have led to anemia and to disruption of liver and kidney functions. Individuals with Wilson’s or Menke’s diseases are at higher risk from copper exposure.
What Customers Should Do
The treatment system is still currently down, and efforts are being taken to evaluate how to best resume treatment. Given that acidic pH is still present within the distribution system, precaution should be taken to minimize exposure to heavy metal leaching.
How you can reduce exposure: When your water has been sitting for several hours, flush the pipe by running the cold-water tap until the water is noticeably colder before using the water for drinking or cooking. (The longer water has been sitting in the pipes, the more dissolved metals it may contain). Use only cold water for drinking, cooking, and making baby formula. Hot water may contain higher levels of lead or copper. Frequently clean the filter screens and aerators in faucets to remove captured particles. If building or remodeling, only use “lead free” or low lead piping and materials. Avoid using copper piping or brass fixtures for locations where water will be consumed or used in food preparation (such as kitchen or bathroom sinks).
Additional Educational Materials Visit the EPA’s website on Basic Information about Lead in Drinking Water
If you are concerned about lead levels in their home, you can consider using a lead certified water filter. As well as contacting your local health department or healthcare provider to find out how you can get any children’s blood tested if you are concerned about exposure. Info on replacing plumbing fixtures containing lead. Brass faucets, fittings, and valves, including those advertised as “lead-free,” may contribute lead to drinking water. The law previously allowed end-use brass fixtures, such as faucets, with up to 8 percent lead to be labeled as “lead free.” As of January 4, 2014, end-use brass fixtures, such as faucets, fittings, and valves, must meet the new “lead-free” definition of having no more than 0.25 percent lead on a weighted average. Visit the EPA’s website on Lead Free Certification learn more about lead-containing plumbing fixtures and how to identify lead-free certification marks on new fixtures.
Continued Monitoring throughout the distribution system with results and evaluations being reported soon.
For more information contact the Drinking Water Hotline at 1(800) 426-4791 Division website: drinkingwater.utah.gov.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by Liberty Pipeline Company. Water System ID# Utah29008
Date distributed: March 28, 2023.