Concerns Over Lead Levels in Asheville’s Water Supply

Concerns Over Lead Levels in Asheville’s Water Supply

Asheville, N.C. is facing a concerning situation as multiple schools and homes in Buncombe County have been found to have detectable lead levels in their water samples. This news was shared by Water Resources Spokesperson Clay Chandler during a daily recovery briefing on Thursday morning. It’s crucial for residents and especially parents to be aware of the implications this situation may have on our community’s health.

Schools Affected

According to Chandler, seven schools in the county—Oakley Elementary, Sand Hill Elementary, Charles C. Bell Elementary, Glen Arden Elementary, Lucy S. Herring Elementary, Hall-Fletcher Elementary, and Odyssey Community School—have shown detectable lead levels. But there’s a silver lining: school officials clarified that no students have consumed any tap water since classes resumed, and the water fountains at these schools remain out of service. This step is a protective measure against potential lead exposure.

What’s Being Done?

As a part of the ongoing response, officials are working hard to implement measures that will help combat this issue. They are installing National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certified filters in the affected schools to help reduce lead levels. Additionally, assessments of plumbing systems are being performed to pinpoint potential sources of lead exposure.

Interestingly, the lead levels detected aren’t coming from the water supply itself, but rather from older plumbing systems in homes and schools. If your home was built before 1988, you might be at a higher risk for lead contamination. This ongoing problem raises significant questions for homeowners about the safety of their drinking water.

Health Precautions

In light of these findings, officials are urging residents to take proactive steps. For drinking and cooking, using bottled water is the safest recommendation. If boiling tap water is necessary, Chandler advises to take special precautions, particularly for those living in homes with pre-1988 plumbing. He suggests running the tap for at least 30 seconds to 2 minutes before gathering water for boiling. The goal is to ensure that the water has been flushed out, reducing any initial contamination.

The Aftermath of Storm Helene

Chandler indicated that the situation might have been aggravated by the recent environmental events, particularly the storm named Helene. During the storm’s aftermath, there were 19 days where they could not provide corrosion control at the North Fork Reservoir, an action that likely contributed to the spike in lead levels. It’s clear that factors like these can have lasting impacts on our water quality.

Ongoing Monitoring and Testing

Looking ahead, Water Resources plans to re-sample the affected schools and private residences in the upcoming months. This effort aims to monitor the effectiveness of the corrosion control treatments being implemented. Alongside that, residents are encouraged to participate in Asheville’s free lead and copper testing program. This is particularly important for those who live in older homes. If you’re interested in requesting a testing kit or learning more about how to protect yourself against lead exposure, reach out to Water Resources at 828-259-5962 or via email at leadprevention@ashevillenc.gov.

Conclusion

As Asheville navigates these water safety concerns, it’s essential that residents stay informed and proactive. Ensuring safe drinking water is a community effort, and understanding how to protect oneself can make all the difference. Please stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops, and remember, safety first!