ST. LOUIS – It can be easy to be skeptical of people who show up at your front door, but there’s a reason you’ll want to open it for crews at Missouri American Water.
The company has been working to replace all their customers’ lead or galvanized pipelines in their homes before 2030. But in order to do that, they have to test what service lines residents have.
Missouri American Water are currently working on moving through communities, going door-to-door to over 200,000 homes where the service material is unknown. According to MAW, lead service lines are more likely to be used in homes built before the 1930s.
According to the EPA, exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects among all age groups, including behavioral issues in children and risks of high blood pressure, kidney damage, and heart diseases in adults.
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A spokesperson says they have been meeting with city officials before canvassing so they can ensure the community is aware of their contractors. Additionally, MAW sends letters and blaster calls to the customers where they don’t know what their service line is.
So, if contractors do show up at your door, you can check for a MAW sticker or magnet on their car, and crews will have a badge as well.
Residents can also check their own water pipes to determine and report what service material they have:
Lead: Dull, silver-gray color that is easily scratched with a coin. Magnets will not stick to lead pipes.
Galvanized: Dull, silver-gray color. Magnets will typically stick to this material.
Plastic: Typically a white, rigid pipe that is connected to the water supply with a clamp. Can also be blue or black.
Copper: Color of a penny.
To see a map of service line materials in your home, click here.
For more information about Missouri American Water’s program, visit their website.
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