44 lead water service lines replaced in North Pueblo

In an interview with Pueblo Water, KRDO learned 44 lead water service lines have been replaced in North Pueblo over the course of the last year.

The project started last year when water testing for lead pipes began all over the city.

As of Friday, the main areas of risk are in the near-North, historic part of town. According to recent test results, neighborhoods East and West showed no signs of lead exposure. Whereas in South Pueblo, only one lead pipe was detected.

“At the time I never even knew lead was a problem,” said Damen Griego, who’s lived in Pueblo’s historic district for the past year.

Although, Griego is relatively new to the area — his home isn’t.

“It was built back in the 1920’s,” said Griego’s landlord who lives next door.

Like many in his neighborhood, Griego and his family drink the tap water.

“It doesn’t taste any different,” Griego said.

Griego’s neighborhood is one of the only areas in the city that has required lead water pipes to be replaced.

“We have identified some homes where they do have some lead,” said Paul Fanning, who represents Pueblo Water, the organization that facilitated these tests throughout the city.

“We started in areas with the highest risk, our highest priority,” Fanning said.

According to Pueblo Water, all of the water distributed to the homes throughout the city is clean. (REPORT). However, it’s up to the homeowner to verify whether or not the water going through the pipes is lead-free.

If you’re interested in having the water tested in your home, Pueblo Water will facilitate the tests for free. You just have to sign up for a kit. For more information, call 719-584-0467.