Community

No Violations in the Latest Water Report

Though within federal compliance, lead levels are still a concern

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In April, the Associated Press released an article with the provocative headline “Providence one of largest US water systems to violate lead standards.” Given the horrible situation in Flint, Michigan, it’s easy to read that and assume the worst. Thankfully our water quality report came back within the levels of federal compliance.

“Providence Water takes the issue quite seriously,” says Dyana Koelsch, a spokeswoman for Providence Water. “We work really hard to make sure that people know what the situation is.”

Providence Water’s main lines are lead-free, as is the water coming from the Scituate Reservoir. Where lead turns up is in the pipes leading from the mains to the curb and from the curb into homes and businesses. Providence Water isn’t responsible for the latter, and efforts to replace main-to-curb lines – known as a partial replacement – were slowed as experts discovered that the process was resulting in increased levels of lead in water.

“People should know they have some of the best water in the country, but we also have some of the oldest infrastructure. We’ll do everything we can to keep [lead in our water] low,” states Koelsch. “But homeowners should be aware of things they can do.”

Inexpensive testing kits through Providence Water are a good place to start, as is investigating whether or not the pipes and fixtures in your home or property are made of lead. Educational material is readily available online about lead corrosion, one of the main factors resulting in contaminated drinking water. Filters certified at NSF/ANSI 53 and 58 will combat contaminates such as lead. While filtering your water is suggested as a first, and certainly not last, line of defense, it’s important to be aware of that certification level. Not all water filtration products are made to filter lead.

Of course the big “what can I do” is replace any lead – pipes and old kitchen and bathroom fixtures – in your home. Replacing pipes is a project that could range from $2,000 to $5,000 dollars. That responsibility, unfortunately, falls on property owners through Providence Water offers incentives and financial assistance.

Laura Brion, Director of Community Organizing and Advocacy with the Providence-based Childhood Lead Action Project, stressed the significance of any lead present in our water. Though the trend in improving lead levels is a step in the right direction, Brion points to test results that have exceeded the federal action level for lead over the last ten years as a source for alarm. This year’s report came in right on the line at 15 parts per billion. Anything more than that would have been a violation.

“When we’re talking about a preventable disease, I’m not sure better is good enough,” Brion says. Most instances of lead poisoning in Providence can be attributed to lead found in soil and in deteriorating paint, but Brion feels that if that wasn’t the case the amount of lead in our water would be getting more attention. “We need to shift to dealing with the underlying causes. We need to have a serious conversation about getting all the lead out of our water system. It’s a big job, but it’s one that needs to be done.

“No level of lead exposure is safe for children or adults. Children are the most vulnerable.”

Until the sources of lead in our system are completely removed, education is key. Though the report came back positive and with no violations, vigilance is the best course of action until our water, from reservoir to tap, is truly lead free.

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