Residents in Oak Ridge might want to keep an eye on their mailboxes this week as the City is sending out notices about potential lead exposure in drinking water service lines. The warnings come after the latest inventory flagged many properties with service lines made from materials that are currently unknown, raising concerns over the safety of the drinking water.
While the presence of unknown line materials does not mean that anyone has been exposed to lead, it does, unfortunately, increase the risk, as said by City Engineer Roger Flynn. “It is important to note that finding a line of unknown material does not mean that you have been exposed to lead,”the City of Oak Ridge stated. “Water treatment processes greatly reduce the possibility that lead from service lines could end up in your water.”
This concern touches both city-owned and privately owned portions of the service lines, which extend from the main distribution line to the meter, and from there into the building. Property owners or residents who receive a notice with an “unknown” status are being asked to complete a survey that will help the city to better identify the materials used in these service lines. The survey can be found on theCity of Oak Ridge websiteand can be mailed back or emailed to the provided addresses.
For those either owning or residing in rental properties, the City urges to ensure that tenants and/or owners are notified and that they promptly verify receipt of the notice. Flynn emphasized the city’s commitment to health and safety in his statement, mentioning, “Our priority is to ensure the safety and health of our community’s drinking water. We are actively monitoring and addressing this issue to protect everyone’s health.” TheCity of Oak Ridgeis also collaborating with environmental experts from the EPA and TDEC to fully understand and significantly reduce risks associated with lead exposure in the water system.
Residents who plan to replace their service lines should contact the City at (865) 425-1875 to coordinate the work. The Oak Ridge Public Works Department is actively updating its inventory with information from completed surveys and ongoing service line replacements.
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