New Whiteboard Animation Helps Consumers Protect Against Lead in Drinking Water

Sharing this video released by AWWA is a great way to educate your customers about lead contamination

New Whiteboard Animation Helps Consumers Protect Against Lead in Drinking Water

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America’s aging sewer and water infrastructure is no secret, and neither is the emerging problem of lead contamination in drinking water. As the public becomes more aware of these issues, easy and effective outreach tools will be of ongoing importance to municipal sewer and water utilities.

That’s why we’re sharing this animated whiteboard explainer video recently released by the American Water Works Association (AWWA). This easily sharable link can help your utility’s customers and social media followers learn how to protect their households from the risk of lead in drinking water. The video does a great job of breaking down water distribution at the consumer level, showing how lead gets in tap water, and explaining the steps people can take to reduce risks.

“Your water utility strives to provide safe and healthy water for your home,” the animation states. “We all play a role in keeping it that way. Together, let’s get the lead out.”

Available on AWWA’s YouTube channel, the three-minute animation advises consumers to work with a plumber to identify sources of lead and whenever possible, since some older homes have lead service lines or plumbing fixtures, fittings and solder that contain lead.

It teaches customers about how water utilities adjust water chemistry at treatment plants for corrosion control to minimize the possibility that lead will dissolve or break off into drinking water. But going further, the video advises property owners should begin with cold water for drinking or cooking; flush out pipes by using water for nonpotable purposes before drinking; clean faucet aerators; install a home filter certified to remove lead; and have tap water tested for lead at a certified laboratory.

Noting that ownership of lead service lines is typically split between the utility and property owner, the animation points out that some utilities have programs in place to assist consumers with the expense of lead service line replacement.

“If we understand how lead gets into drinking water, we’re in a better position to protect our households,” says AWWA CEO David LaFrance. “This simple animation points out where the sources of lead typically are and what steps we can take to protect against exposure.

“We hope it is shared far and wide to help protect consumers today as we work for a future when lead is no longer in contact with drinking water.”

Consumer information on protecting against lead in drinking water is also available at DrinkTap.orgawwa.org/lead and epa.gov/lead.

Check out the video here:



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