Asheville Residents Urged to Test for Lead in Drinking Water After Service Restored

Asheville Residents Urged to Test Their Water for Lead Safety

Asheville, N.C. – Good news has been flowing in for Buncombe County residents as water services have been restored following recent disruptions. However, many locals are still feeling uneasy about the quality of their drinking water, specifically about potential lead contamination.

Concerns About Water Safety

During a community briefing on December 11, Buncombe County’s Water Resources official, Clay Chandler, addressed these concerns directly. He confirmed that lead testing kits are available for residents who are anxious about what may be lurking in their tap water. This initiative aims to lend a helping hand to those who have already requested a test, letting them know they aren’t alone in their worries.

How to Get Your Lead Testing Kit

Starting Thursday, December 12, residents will receive notifications via the AVL Alert system detailing pickup times and locations for these lead testing kits. According to Chandler, there will be four convenient spots for folks to grab their kits, available from Monday to Friday between 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The kits will be distributed by personnel from Texas-based Sullivan Land Services, a company that specializes in disaster response. These professionals will be stationed at three libraries to manage the distribution and collection of completed testing kits, ensuring they are safely sent off for lab analysis.

Important Dates to Remember

If you’re wondering how long you have to pick up and return your kits, be mindful of the deadlines. The last day to pick up a testing kit is December 19, and you must drop off your completed kit by December 21. After that, the kits will be sent to the lab, where results are expected to return within 4 to 6 weeks.

How to Request a Testing Kit

If you haven’t yet requested a kit and want to, you can easily do so by calling 828-259-5962 or emailing leadprevention@ashevillenc.gov. The process is straightforward, aiming to provide peace of mind for residents concerned about the safety of their drinking water.

Focus on Community Health

In light of these developments, it is essential for community members to participate in ensuring the safety of their drinking water. Lead exposure can be particularly harmful, especially for children and pregnant women. By taking advantage of these testing kits, residents are taking steps to safeguard their health and their families.

Staying Informed

While the water has resumed flowing through the tap, it is crucial to remember that knowledge is power. Testing your water for lead not only empowers you as a resident of Asheville but also contributes to the overall wellbeing of the community.

Final Thoughts

In summary, Buncombe County residents have a chance to play an active role in testing their tap water. With the availability of free lead testing kits, there’s no better time to make sure your drinking water is as safe as possible. Don’t hesitate—take the steps necessary to ensure that peace of mind flows as freely as the water itself!