Sampling and testing of water from residences served by the City of Two Rivers Water utility last September yielded results exceeding action levels set by the DNR and the Environmental Protection Agency. City Manager Greg Buckley says 30 samples were taken.
Lead can cause multiple health problems especially to children under the age of six and pregnant women. Water Utility Director Ross Blaha says infrastructure of older homes is a source of concern.
Buckley elaborates further.
That practice stopped in the 1990’s. It’s estimated that 2270 of the nearly 5300 water services in Two Rivers have lead or galvanized pipes. The city is also required to replace 7 percent of those existing lead service laterals by September 30th at a cost of $160,000. Blaha says it’s a process that will take time.
A few tips to help reduce lead in your drinking water include letting the water run to flush the service line if the water’s been stagnant for more than six hours—use only cold water for drinking and cooking—flush and clean your faucet aerators and you may use a filter certified to remove lead but follow directions carefully. Sixty samples are currently being collected thru June and another round will be collected in November/December. An educational pamphlet is being mailed to all customers in the upcoming billing cycle. For more information call 793-5558—793-5523 or log onto www.two-rivers.org.