Lead is a metal that can occur naturally in drinking water. Especially in this part of Missouri where lead was once a leading export.

Exposure to too much lead can lead to severe health problems.

Generally, high lead content in drinking water can be linked to lead service pipes or lead soldering used on those pipes. The lead from these sources is leached into the drinking water, causing problems.

The federal government banned using leaded pipe and solder in new plumbing in 1986. Missouri’s lead ban became effective Jan. 1, 1989. Plumbing installed before this ban may contain lead, according to the  Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ (MoDNR) website.

In an effort to uncover potentially hazardous service lines, the MoDNR has initiated a program to inventory all lead service lines in the state. These inventories must be completed by each municipality by Oct. 16. They are offering financial assistance to cities that need help completing the process. The City of Gerald has qualified for a grant of up to $200,000 to complete its inventory.

City Administrator Nick Grube says to his knowledge all service lines in Gerald are composed of galvanized metal, cast iron or PVC.  Grube has extensive experience with Gerald’s water system having served for years as the Public Works Director, before taking his current position.

The city water wells are tested each year for lead levels. Random samples of the water supply system are taken from several locations around town and are tested every three years. The next of these tests are due this summer. Gerald water was tested safe for levels in the last round of tests and those results are not expected to change.

Grube says the grant money will be used for engineering and to hire any contractors necessary to complete the survey.