May 03, 2004

By: Steven Aylmer
Website: http://www.water-purification-filters.com

Preliminary Tests Reveal Elevated Lead Levels in Five Arlington Homes

Preliminary testing of eight homes in Arlington has found elevated levels of lead in water in five of them, according to test results. Further tests are being performed. However, in the interim, County public health officials are recommending that pregnant women and children younger than six flush tap water for 60-90 seconds before consuming.

The recent water sampling is being conducted earlier than required testing this summer, due to regional concerns about lead levels. The results are preliminary and additional testing is being performed.

Arlington is taking this very seriously, said Barbara A. Favola, Chairman of the Arlington County Board. We’re committed to additional testing and to keeping Arlingtonians informed every step of the way.

Five of the initial eight tests showed lead levels higher than the EPA action level of 15 parts per billion. County officials are contacting these homeowners to provide advice on reducing the lead levels, as well as to perform expanded testing in their homes. Full test results are listed below.

Public Health Elevated blood lead levels are of primary concern for children younger than 6 and for pregnant women. In Arlington, the Public Health Department routinely tests children younger than 6 who attend the Child Heath Clinic. Since July 2000, the Health Department has tested 1,987 children; of those, only 16 were shown to have elevated blood lead levels. Nationally, the biggest source of lead in children is ingestion of lead-based paint.

Although these water test results are preliminary and inconclusive, children younger than six and pregnant women should take some precautionary measures, said Dr. Susan Allan, Arlington County’s public health director. At this early stage, medical testing is not necessary and we will continue to monitor the situation closely.

The usual treatment for elevated lead in the blood is to stop lead exposures. For adults, sporadic ingesting of elevated levels of lead in water does not cause health problems.

Arlington Action Steps Arlington has embarked on a multi-step action plan, including:

* Notifying and working with the sample homes with elevated lead levels, retesting those homes and providing consulting to reduce lead in drinking water.

* Expanding the test sampling to a wider pool, working with the Virginia Department of Health.

* Testing water at all Arlington elementary schools and the Arlington Public Schools food service at Thomas Jefferson Community Center.

* Sending information on lead to the County’s private physicians and to all the public health clinics and nurses.

* Continuing to work with the Washington Aqueduct and the EPA on the systemwide water chemistry.

Recommended Action Steps for Residents Arlington Public Health emphasizes that for the vast majority of Arlington residents, elevated levels of lead in the water does not present a health concern, although children younger than 6 and pregnant women should avoid drinking water with elevated lead levels. For any residents who are concerned about their water supply:

* The Environmental Protection Agency advises flushing the faucet for 60-90 seconds if the home water supply has been idle for 6 hours or more.

* Cook only with cold water.

If you also choose to use a filter, follow these three rules:

1] choose one designed for the specific filtration desired;

2] make sure the filter is approved by the National Sanitation Foundation; and

3] maintain the filter as directed.

If you are concerned about possible lead solder in your home’s pipes, a plumber can determine this for you.

Arlington is gathering and will post useful information on its website and residents can go there for more information. Also, you can find good information from the Virginia Department of Health.

The Testing Arlington recently collected water samples from about nine homes for lead testing. The testing was performed with a one-liter sample of first flush [water that has been idle for more than 6 hours]. The sampling included:

* Homes that meet the County’s EPA requirements for the Lead and Copper Rule, homes built between Jan. 1, 1984 and April 1, 1986.

* New construction; new homes just completed.

* Older homes with galvanized iron pipes instead of copper pipes between the main and the meter. Additional News, see living water.

Author Notes:

Steven Aylmer contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.water-purification-filters.com.  Get educated on the benefits of water purification systems and different water filters available.