Birmingham Residents to Receive Important Water Safety Letters
Birmingham, Alabama – If you live in the Magic City, get ready for your mailbox to bring some important news next week! The Birmingham Water Works Board (BWWB) is set to send out letters to many residents regarding a critical issue that could be lurking in some homes: lead pipes. Now, before you jump to conclusions, let’s clear one thing up right away – just because you get a letter doesn’t mean your water is unsafe!
What’s the Scoop?
This new initiative by the BWWB is part of a federal rule that aims to ensure all water utilities can accurately report how many customers may have lead service lines in their homes. This is particularly relevant for any residences built before 1989, which may still have lead pipes lurking in their plumbing systems.
Who’s Affected?
No Need to Panic!
Now, let’s take a step back and breathe. Interim General Manager of the BWWB, Darryl Jones, reassures residents that this is not a cause for alarm. “If nothing else, what we want you to know is there’s not a crisis,” Jones stated. He emphasized, “There’s not lead in the water. The way we treat our water, we make sure that the lead piping that may be in your home is passive enough that there’s no leaching of that lead into the water.”
What Should You Do?
If you receive one of these letters and you want to take action, don’t hesitate to check your own water lines. It’s suggested that residents inspect the lines running from the street to their homes. If you discover that your plumbing does contain lead pipes, there are several options available to help minimize your risk:
- Flushing your tap water by letting it run for a few minutes before using it for drinking or cooking can help reduce lead exposure.
- Consider using filters that are certified for lead removal, giving you added peace of mind.
- You might also want to look into other long-term solutions, such as replacing your lead service lines when possible.
Your Safety is a Priority
If you have any questions or uncertainties after reading your letter, you can find a wealth of information about lead pipes and safety measures on the Birmingham Water Works website. It’s always best to stay informed and proactive when it comes to your health and safety.
Stay Alert!
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
