Ask Mr. Answer Person: "What should be done about lead water pipes in Decorah?"

George e-mails Mr. Answer Person: "Decorah has lead water lines to some of its old houses...I think everyone should be made aware of where these lines are, before we have a potential problem like (the one in) Flint, Michigan."

Mr. Answer Person says: "The problems in Flint, Michigan were caused by the water that ran through the pipes.  For years Flint had used water from Detroit that came from Lake Huron and also was treated.  The problems began when Flint officials switched to water from the Flint River and ignored complaints about corrosion and bad taste and smell.

So while it's true that plumbing has switched over to copper piping, the older lead pipes won't create problems--so long as the water being sent through them isn't corrosive or untreated.

Decorah Water Superintendent Todd Ihde says Decorah is blessed with excellent water--so there's no need to worry about lead pipes.

By the way, the City of Decorah is required to make a yearly report on the results of water testing.  You can access the report on the city's website, through the Water Department section, or you can read it here