Recent changes to water regulations have made it the owners responsibly to provide drinking water, to the tap, that is virtually free of lead. Regulatory first draw lead levels cannot now exceed 10 µg/l (10ppb) down from the previous cut off level of 25µg/l (25ppb). Some industry experts estimate that up to 40 percent of UK homes still have lead water supply pipes. For properties that are serviced with lead pipes, conforming to the new regulations can mean either replacing the lead pipes or having the lead pipes lined “in-situ” with an approved protective barrier coating.
Lead is a toxic substance, which has a cumulative effect, so chronic exposure at low levels builds up. It is known to raise blood pressure, cause kidney problems and has even been associated with raised levels of violent crime.
Children are particularly vulnerable, because their brains are developing quickly and they have higher absorption rates. Lead exposure can affect how children develop, impairing IQ and cognitive function, which can lead to special educational needs and behavioural problems.
ePIPE Chosen to Protect a Child Day Services Facility
A UK children’s charity providing child day services and family support services knew the building they operated from had lead pipes and they knew they were responsible for reducing the lead in their drinking water. The building was serviced with a lead supply pipe that ran from the connection in the street, under the buildings foundation and into the cellar, making replacement of the lead supply pipe difficult and expensive. In addition, traditional replacement techniques would have resulted in disruption to the daily operations for a 3 to 4 day period.
The ePIPE Option – Water Company Recommended
Operators of the day care, when speaking to their water company about their dilemma, were told of the patented ePIPE process. The water company recommended they consider the ePIPE process, where the lead supply pipe could be lined “in-place” with minimal intrusion and the project could be completed on the same day.
Putting Children First – ePIPE helping put an end to the toxic legacy of lead pipes
The ePIPE team arrived in the morning and the job was completed by the afternoon. With the use of custom made fittings the ePIPE process was applied directly through the boundary box, eliminating the need for excavations. Lead levels, when tested at the tap before the ePIPE process measured some 24.5 µg/l (ppb) nearly 2.5 times over current cut off limits of 10 µg/l. After the ePIPE process, measured lead levels dropped to some 1.1µg/l (ppb).
About PRS
Pipe Restoration Services, is an award winning joint venture between UK’s Morrison Utility Services and USA’s, Pipe Restoration Technologies, LLC. Morrison Utility Services is one of the UK’s leading utility service providers. Pipe Restoration Technologies, LLC., (PRT), www.epipeinfo.comfocuses on development of product, equipment and process methods used in the business of in-place epoxy pipe lining. PRT services are provided in Europe, US, Canada, and Latin America. PRT holds multiple process patents with an ongoing portfolio of patents pending.
UK ePIPE provider, Pipe Restoration Services (PRS) can be contacted at www.piperestorationservices.co.uk