Lead Pipes

Lead Pipes

Lead pipes may still exist in older Service Family Accommodation, but DIO and their repairs contractors are committed to removing them during modernisation.

The risk of exposure to lead is very low but to reduce lead levels in drinking water the following steps should be followed:

• Only drink water from the main supply in your kitchen.
• Run the cold tap first thing in the morning (the amount to fill a washing up bowl should be sufficient) , before you drink, cook or clean your teeth, to flush out water that has been standing in pipes overnight.
• To prevent legionella if you have been away from your home for a long period, run hot and cold taps for at least 5 minutes.

The UK has a very safe water system, but these precautions will help keep risks low. For more information visit the Drinking Water Inspectorate’s website