MITCHELL, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) In 1986, in an amendment to the Clean Water Act, the United States Congress banned the use of lead pipes for the transportation of water for human consumption. The Environmental Protection Agency has now mandated municipalities across the country survey their jurisdictions for any lead pipes that may remain in the ground.
The City of Mitchell is complying with this EPA mandate in several ways. First, an informational flyer has been mailed to every water customer in Mitchell informing them of this mandated survey. Second, City employees are going house to house inspecting the pipes that deliver water from the street to the home checking for lead. Third, homeowners who happen not to be in when the City comes to call or those who would like to be sure not to be missed may call the City of Mitchell to schedule an appointment.
Lead can be harmful to pregnant women as well as small children, causing a loss of intellectual capability and developmental disabilities. Even low levels of lead can also be harmful to adults with either a kidney condition or high blood pressure.