Flushing
Flush cold taps when household water hasn't been used for several hours. Run cold water taps for two minutes before using water for drinking and cooking. When water sits in your pipes for long periods of time, water quality can decline.
Cold Water Use
Do not use hot tap water for drinking and cooking. Hot water dissolves contaminants and may contain metals, sediment and bacteria that build up in the water heater. If you have household lead sources, hot water can cause lead to release in your drinking water.
Water Filters
Routinely replace filter cartridges. Bacteria and metals can build up in filter cartridges. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for filter replacement.
Household Plumbing
Replace old household plumbing and potential lead sources. Replace galvanized plumbing with copper pipes and install "lead-free" plumbing fixtures that contain 0.25 percent lead or less. After installation, flush cold water taps for five minutes once a day for three days.
Faucet Aerators
Routinely clean faucet aerators and replace them as needed. Sediment and metals can collect in the aerator screen located at the tip of your faucets.
Water Heaters
Drain your water heater annually. Sediment, bacteria and metals can build up in the water heater tank. This can impact household water quality and water pressure.