NYC: Elevated Lead Levels In Water

The AP reports, "New York City officials have detected elevated lead levels in the water. They are telling New Yorkers to run their taps for 30 seconds before drinking water, cooking with it or using it to make baby formula. The Department of Environmental Protection monitors water inside homes that have lead plumbing and fixtures, typically found in buildings more than 40 years old." The EPA requires local utilities to take action if 10% or more tested building have lead levels greater than 15 parts per billion, and in NYC, 30 of 222 tested buildings (14%) had higher levels. What does this mean for bagels?

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By Jen Chung in News on November 4, 2010 1:21 PM

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citylion

Glad I bought that Pur filter.

Dirty Water Lady

I learned about water contaminants because I live upstate and my water is contaminated with Trichloroethelyn. Because of my work I was awarded the Highest EPA award given to citizens in April, 2007.

After hearing about the lead in Manhattan water I did some investigating. I know that adding chloromines, Chlorine plus Ammonia, any pipes with lead solder will leech the lead into the water. Sure enough, back in 2005, chloromines were added to Manhattan water. http://ci.manhattan.ks.us/DocumentView.aspx?DID=195

It is the fault of the city that this is happening. Now they are asking people to waste water which they pay for. The same thing is happening here in Dutchess County at the IBM Buildings.

Do an investigation. You will see I am correct.

anonymous

The water itself (when it enters the municipal system) does not have higher levels of lead. The problem is that some buildings have old, lead pipes that experience wear and tear which may cause higher levels of lead. The responsibility to maintain these pipes is the building owner's.

Terrie

Your piece should be qualified because "the water" does not contain lead. The underlying report refers to old (we are talking decades here) buildings that may have lead pipes. If the water is stagnant in those pipes (in old buildings) lead might migrate into the water.

The quote that you attribute to AP "New York City officials have detected elevated lead levels in THE WATER" is certainly not from the link you posted.