Lead Detected in Albany Drinking Water

Since 1992, the United States Environmental Protection Agency has required drinking water supplies to be tested periodically for the presence of lead and copper.

File photo courtesy: swissre com

(ALBANY) - Routine testing of Albany's drinking water in June found elevated levels of lead in eight residences the City of Albany Public Works Department reports.

Albany conducted tests annually at 60 residences from 1992-1996 without detecting any lead above the amount allowed by EPA. From 1996 to June 2006, EPA reduced the City's testing schedule to 30 samples every three years, with no violations detected, according to Jim Young, Water Distribution Supervisor.

The testing requirement returned to a minimum of 60 samples annually this year when the Albany-Millersburg Joint Water Treatment Plant became the City's primary water source. The City tested water at the Albany-Millersburg Water Treatment Plant, at the Vine Street Water Treatment Plant, and at 62 residences in June. No elevated lead was found at either treatment plant. Elevated levels of lead were found at eight residences.

Five of the residences are in the Deerfield Subdivision in South Albany; one each in the Swan Lake/South Shore area and the Ryderwood Subdivision, both in East Albany; and one near 32nd Avenue and Lyon Street SE. Each will be retested in the City's next required sampling in December.

The EPA allows up to 0.015 milligrams per liter, or 15 parts per billion of lead in drinking water. The eight samples measured from 0.0154 to 0.0394 milligrams per liter. "Tests are done at taps that have not been used for a minimum of six hours, Young said." Turning on a tap and letting the water run for a couple of minutes normally clears any buildup of lead.

"The EPA tests target homes that were built from 1983-85, when lead solder was commonly used in plumbing," Young said. The Albany homes with high tests were all built between 1971 and 1981.

All of the City's more than 15,000 water customers will soon see a lead-alert message on their monthly water bills and will receive an educational brochure containing information about how to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water.

The City will test water for any water customer who is concerned about lead in the drinking water at their home. To arrange for a test or for more information, contact Young at (541) 917-7609.