In response to Tacoma Public Utilities detecting higher than normal levels of lead in four water samples taken from homes built between 1900 and 1945 using galvanized steel service lines, Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), which supplies Kirkland’s water source, confirms water continues to be safe to drink.
Most Kirkland residents receive water from the City of Kirkland’s water system, through the Cascade Water Alliance. Some Kirkland residents and businesses receive their water from Northshore Utility District or Woodinville Water District. SPU supplies water to all of these systems.
According to SPU, Kirkland’s water source does not contain lead. However, lead can leach into water from home plumbing systems built with lead-based solder, brass fixtures, or some types of old zinc coatings used on galvanized pipes and fittings.
Kirkland has no record of any leaded connections being installed within our system, which triggered the Tacoma concerns.
Residents that have an older plumbing system, and wish to take extra precautions, are recommended to follow Washington State Department of Health guidelines:
- Run water for two minutes before using it if the water has not been run for more than six hours.
- It is also always best to use cold water for consumption since lead dissolves more quickly from plumbing materials in hot water.
Resources to learn more about your water source include:
- SPU Website: http://www.seattle.gov/util
- Cascade Water Alliance Website: http://cascadewater.org
- Northshore Utilities: http://www.nud.net
- Woodinville Water: http://woodinvillewater.com
For more information, contact the City of Kirkland’s Water Division at 425-587-3900.
