The City of Granbury wants to let you know that during tests of drinking water in March 2024 they found elevated levels of lead. Although most samples had low levels of lead, some had levels above the Environmental Protection Agency action level of 15 parts per billion. It’s not a violation under federal or state law, but the City wants to make sure residents are aware.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If the lead was in samples collected in March, why are we just hearing about it now? The lab did not report results to the City until July. When the City received them, it notified the State. 

Who is at risk for health problems caused by lead? The greatest risk of lead exposure is to infants, young children, and pregnant women. Lead in drinking water, although rarely the sole cause of lead poisoning, can significantly increase a person's total lead exposure, particularly the exposure of infants who drink baby formulas and concentrated juices that are mixed with water.

How does lead get in the water? Lead enters drinking water primarily as a result of the corrosion or the wearing away of materials containing lead in the water distribution system and household plumbing, such as solder used to join copper pipe, brass and chrome plated brass faucets. In 1986, Congress banned the use of lead solder containing greater than 0.2 percent lead, and in 2011 restricted the lead content of faucets and pipes to 0.25 percent. 

What can I do? Run water to flush out lead. If you haven’t used the cold water tap for several hours, run it until the temperature is noticeably colder. This flushes lead-containing water from the pipes. 

Can I catch that water and use it for plants or the yard? Yes, it is safe on plants and lawns.

Can lead harm me through the skin, such as showering and washing hands? No, not through the skin. Only by drinking large quantities of water with high lead levels.

Will boiling the water remove the lead? No.

Is the City still collecting samples and when will the results be known? Yes, samples are collected on a regular basis. Results of water samples taken at the end of July and beginning of August should be available by the end of September.

Can I get lead in my water from my neighbor’s pipes? No.

I have more questions. Who do I call? Please call the City of Granbury at 817-573-7030.