While we know that lead is not present in the source waters that serve the Vinland Water System (Test results: Vinland Corrosion Control Study Source Samples (PDF)), it might be leached from household plumbing under certain conditions, especially if the water has been sitting unused for extended periods of time (known as a “stagnation” period). This, primarily, applies to homes built prior to 1986. In 1986, the U.S. began enacting lead-free plumbing laws that limit the use of lead-containing components in household plumbing. Consequently, homes built after 1986 are less likely to contain lead and are less likely to have lead leachate in their tap water. Because of this, the federal Lead and Copper Rule requires us to sample – to the extent possible – only from homes built between 1983 and 1986. As part of our regulatory requirements, we are required to sample inside a representative number of these homes under “stagnation” conditions to see if lead or copper is being leached from household plumbing. In 2019, 5 sites on the Vinland Water System tested above the so-called “action level” for lead. This requires us to conduct a Corrosion Control Study. A Corrosion Control Study will help determine operational adjustments (additional treatment, use of one source over another, etc.) that might make the water less likely to leach minerals from household plumbing.
Update April 2022: Design is nearing completion and treatment systems installation is on schedule for summer.
Update February 2022: The Preliminary Design Report is currently being reviewed by KPUD staff and once finalized will be sent to DOH for approval. Upon approval corrosion control treatment systems will be installed and operational by June 2022.