Lead Notification

Lead Notification


Lead is a naturally occurring metal found in low levels in the Earth’s crust and in most ground and surface waters.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards and has determined that lead is a health concern at certain levels of exposure. There is currently a standard of 0.050 parts per million (ppm). Based on new health information, EPA is likely to lower this standard significantly.

Part of the purpose of this notice is to inform you of the potential adverse health effects of lead. This is being done even though your water may not be in violation of the current standard.

EPA and others are concerned about lead in drinking water. Too much lead in the human body can cause serious damage to the brain, kidneys, nervous system, and red blood cells. The greatest risk, even with short-term exposure, is too young children and pregnant women.

Lead levels in your drinking water are likely to be highest:
*if your home or water system has lead pipes, or
*if your home has copper pipes with solder, and
*if the home is more than five years old, or
*if you have soft or acidic water, or
*if the water sits in the pipe for several hours

Lead levels in naturally occurring New York State waters are in all cases lower than the New York State and Federal drinking water standards.  Elevated lead drinking water is usually linked with the use of lead pipe or lead solder in copper pipe. Some drinking waters are very corrosive. Corrosive water has a tendency to dissolve the metal it is in contact with. However, even waters with relatively low corrosivity can cause lead to be dissolved if the water is allowed to sit in the plumbing un-disturbed for at least six hours.

The drinking water supplied by Bemus Point Central School District is minimally corrosive. However, tap water may still contain lead. Exposure to this water can be minimized by running the tap water until cold to the touch before drinking.

If you think your plumbing has lead pipes, or are concerned about possible lead in your drinking water, an inexpensive test can be done to find out. Contact your local Health Department for more information; or contact Steven Asel, Director of Facilities at (716) 386-7176.
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