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November 14, 2024 Dear Minden Resident, In 2021, the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) were finalized requiring water systems to notify property owners of known or potential service lines containing lead. As part of the revisions, the Town of Minden is required to notify residents of the type of material being used for the water pipe (called a service line) from the main water line to your home. It has been determined that the service line that connects your home, building, or other structure to the Meter Pit is made from unknown material. Identifying service line material To help the Town determine the material of your service line, you can contact Town of Minden at 775‐782‐5976 or [EMAIL REDACTED] for their Inspection Phasing Plan in which the Town will conduct exploration and identification, or a licensed plumber, at your own cost can be used, to determine if the pipe that connects your home to the water main (called a service line) is made from lead, galvanized, or other materials. Protect Your Tap: A quick check for lead is EPA’s on‐line step by step guide to learn how to find lead pipes in your home. Steps you can take to reduce lead in drinking water. Below are recommended actions that you may take, separately or in combination, if you are concerned about lead in your drinking water. The list also includes where you may find more information and is not intended to be a complete list or to imply that all actions equally reduce lead in drinking water. Use filters properly. Using a filter can reduce lead in drinking water. If you use a filter, it should be certified to remove lead. Read any directions provided with the filter to learn how to properly install, maintain, and use your cartridge and when to replace it. Using the cartridge after it has expired can make it less effective at removing lead. Do not run hot water through the filter. For more information on facts and advice on home water filtration systems, see EPA’s research/consumer‐tool‐identifying‐point‐use‐and‐pitcher‐filters‐certified‐reduce‐lead. Clean your aerator. Regularly clean your faucet’s screen (also known as an aerator). Sediment, debris, and lead particles can collect in your aerator. If lead particles are caught in the aerator, lead can get into your water. Use cold water. Do not use hot water from the tap for drinking, cooking, or making baby formula as lead dissolves more easily into hot water. Boiling water does not remove lead from water. Run your water. The more time water has been sitting in pipes providing water to your home, the more lead it may contain. Before drinking, flush your home’s pipes by running the tap, taking a shower, doing ---PAGE BREAK--- laundry, or doing a load of dishes. The amount of time to run the water will depend on whether your home has a lead service line or not, as well as the length and diameter of the service line and the amount of plumbing in your home. Have your water tested. You may contact a certified laboratory, at your own cost, to have your water tested for lead through UNR Water Testing Lab. Note, a water sample may not adequately capture or represent all sources of lead that may be present. For information on sources of lead that include service lines and interior plumbing, please visit water/basic‐information‐about‐lead‐drinking‐water#getinto. The Town of Minden conducts regular testing per the State and Federal guidelines, the CCR can be found on our website. Health effects of lead Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can lead to new learning and behavior problems or worsen existing learning and behavior problems. The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased risk of these negative health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, and kidney, or nervous system problems. The links for the resources listed in this letter are available on our website www.townofminden.com. If you have any questions please call the Town office at 775‐782‐5976. Property Location: