2 Arlington Homes Show High Lead Levels In Water

ARLINGTON, MA — Two homes showed high lead levels in their drinking water during recent testing by the Arlington Water Department and the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority. Each year, water is tested at 15 sites that are likely to have lead components. For the test period ending September 2019, two sites showed lead levels above the Action Level of 15 ppb, according to the town.

The levels registered at 17.4 ppb and 18.9 ppb. Town officials warn that lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children.

The town will send a brochure on its Lead and Copper testing program and additional information about lead levels to all water bill paying customers in town. They should arrive starting Dec. 20.

See below for more information about lead, according to the town of Arlington:

Health Effects of Lead

Lead can cause serious health problems if too much enters your body from drinking water or other sources. It can cause damage to the brain and kidneys, and can interfere with the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen to all parts of your body. The greatest risk of lead exposure is to infants, young children, and pregnant women. Scientists have linked the effects of lead on the brain with lowered IQ in children. Adults with kidney problems and high blood pressure can be affected by low levels of lead more than healthy adults. Additionally, lead is stored in the bones, and it can be released later in life. During pregnancy, the child can receive lead from the mother’s bones, which may affect brain development.

Sources of Lead

Lead is a common metal found in the environment. Sources of exposure are lead-based paint, household dust, soil, and some plumbing materials, including certain types of faucets. It is important to understand that the water source (MWRA reservoirs) and the water mains that distribute your water are lead-free. However, lead can get into tap water through a lead service line (the pipe that connects your home to the main in the street), lead solder typically used in plumbing prior to 1986, and some brass fixtures. The corrosion or wearing away of these lead based materials can add lead to your tap water, particularly if water sits for a long time in the pipes before use.

How to Reduce Lead Exposure

• If your water has gone unused for more than 6 hours, run any faucet used for drinking or cooking until it is consistently cold (usually about 30 seconds to 2 minutes) before drinking or cooking with it. The flushing of your tap ensures the best quality water.

• Use only cold water for drinking, cooking, and making baby formula/food for infants.

• Please note that boiling water does not eliminate lead. If there is lead in your water, boiling it will increase lead levels.

• Other steps that may be taken include installing water filters that meet the standard for effective lead reduction, identifying if your plumbing fixtures or water pipes contain lead and replacing them, and/or having your water tested.

• The Water Department will provide free water testing for any homeowner or tenant as well as an inspection of water service to determine the presence of lead. For further information, call the Arlington Water Department at 781-316-3106.

• It is also suggested that parents have their child’s blood tested for lead through their health care provider. Again, elevated levels of lead in drinking water will occur if your property has lead water pipes or components that contain lead, typically installed prior to 1986. If you are purchasing a home it is suggested that you have the water tested for lead prior to purchase.

For further information on reducing lead exposure in your home/building and on the health effects of lead, visit the Environmental Protection Agency website at http://www/epa.gov/lead or contact your healthcare provider.