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"Undetectable" lead levels come back from Berea water samples, still two samples to analyze

Posted at 5:02 PM, Jun 29, 2017
and last updated 2017-06-30 17:53:37-04

Lead levels exceeding the federal/state action level were found at the City of Berea Water Treatment Plant.

The high levels were found in two out of 15 samples taken between June 2-15. These levels were above the action level established by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, resulting in the public notice. 

Thirteen additional samples were hand-carried to Columbus on Friday to be tested and twelve of the samples came back with "undetectable" levels of lead. The remaining sample had a reading under action-level.

The City also retested the two homes that previously showed signs of lead earlier in the month. The Ohio EPA found one location had lead levels that are under action level. The other location is "undetectable" for lead in the kitchen, but has elevated levels in the basement. The City says this is most likely caused by lead in the pipes or solder.

Water leaving the water plant was also tested for lead and was consistent with all previous tests at the plant, coming back with "undetectable" levels.

Two final samples still need to be tested and analyzed by the EPA. They will be hand-carried to Columbus tomorrow for analysis.

According to the city, lead typically enters the water through the corrosion of materials containing lead in the water distribution system and household plumbing. The public can help this issue by running water for 30 seconds to two minutes, or until the water is noticeably colder, before using it. This flushes out the lead.

The City of Berea also recommends only using cold water to drink and prepare baby formula.

A warning to parents - lead can cause serious health problems, especially for young children and pregnant women. For more information on the health effects of lead, visit the U.S. EPA's website.

The city has contacted three laboratories certified to analyze public drinking water. If you would like your water tested, contact one of the following labs for instructions:

Biosolutions LLC.

10180 Queens Way #6

Chagrin Falls, OH 44023

440-708-2999

 

CWM Environmental, Inc.

4450 Johnson Parkway, Unit 8

Cleveland, OH 44128

216-663-0808

 

NEORSD Analytical Services

4747 East 49th Street

Cuyahoga Heights, OH 44125

216-641-6000