No Lead Risk In Concord Drinking Water

Lead is a metal found in natural deposits and was commonly used in household plumbing, such as water service lines (especially during 1920-1930). The greatest exposure to lead is swallowing or breathing in lead paint chips and dust, but lead in drinking water can occur over time through corrosion of pipes. For adults, lead exposure can increase blood pressure. For babies and young children, exposure can delay physical and mental development, along with slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities.

Lead is rarely found in source water and is not present in Concord’s water source, Penacook Lake. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes, fixtures, and solder. Concord has proactively ensured the highest water quality to the community. The EPA has set lead limits at 15 Parts Per Billion (PPB) for the 90th percentile of water samples for public water systems, including Concord. Concord General Services collects samples every three years to be tested for lead and to be reported to the EPA. Concord’s drinking water falls well below the allowable EPA limit for lead exposure. The Concord community should be confident to know that they are not at risk for lead exposure in the public water supply. Concord General Services remains committed to providing water services at a quality that exceeds the EPA recommendations.

Find the City of Concord’s Water Quality Reports online at www.concordnh.gov/waterquality for detailed information of any substances found in the water supply. Any questions can be direction to the Water Treatment Superintendent, Marco Philippon, at mphilippon@concordnh.gov.