Sander Allmere found old water pipes under his house in the fall. He suspected they might be made of lead. Allmere conducted water tests. The results showed that the lead level in the water was very high. The allowed limit is 10 ug/l, but 56 ug/l was found.
Lead is toxic. It is dangerous for pregnant women and children. Poisoning can cause headaches, irritability, and memory problems. In fetuses, it can lead to intellectual disabilities. In adults, it can cause infertility. In severe cases, poisoning can lead to anemia, coma, or death.
The family immediately took blood tests. Everyone had high lead levels because they drank tap water. However, it was not enough to require treatment. The family did not drink tap water for a few weeks before the blood test. Lead remains in the body and accumulates in tissues and bones.
The family contacted Tallinna Vesi. In the spring, all the old pipes were replaced. New tests showed that the lead level had decreased but still exceeded the allowed limit. The new pipes should make the water safer. Allmere believes the lead may come from the old pipes of neighboring houses.
Allmere recommends that Tallinna Vesi should inform people about old pipes. Tarvi Thomberg, the asset management director of Tallinna Vesi, said that tap water is generally safe. Most of the pipeline is new and made of plastic, steel, or cast iron. The use of lead in pipes ended in the early 20th century.
Thomberg said that the pipe material is often only discovered during excavation work. If old lead pipes are found, they are replaced. Tallinna Vesi replaces about 45 km of pipeline annually.
Thomberg added that the lead level can be high only if the water has been standing in the pipe for a long time. It is recommended to let the water run for a while before drinking. In case of doubt, a water analysis can be done in a laboratory. Tallinna Vesi constantly conducts water tests, and the lead level has not exceeded the allowed limit.
Thomberg said that the problem of lead pipes is also common in other countries, such as the USA and European countries.