In May 2022, the City of Lebanon Water Department changed the treatment of the drinking water system with the addition of a blended poly/ortho phosphate product to improve corrosion protection, lead and copper rule compliance, and sequester minerals. With this new addition, Federal regulations under the Safe Drinking Water Act (Lead and Copper Rule) require the collection of samples from a minimum of sixty (60) pre-qualified residences located in Lebanon and West Lebanon in two consecutive 6 month periods.
The first of the two sets of samples (2nd half of 2022) were collected and tested for Lead and Copper. Of the 63 residences tested for Lead, 44 results were below the value of <0.001 ppm and the 90th percentile for Lead was 0.002 mg/L (2 ppb). Significantly below the Action Level of 0.015 mg/L (15 ppb) set by the State of New Hampshire Department of Environmental Service and the Environmental Protection Agency. As for Copper results, the 90th percentile was 0.088 mg/L (8.8 ppb). Again, significantly below the Action Level of 1.30 mg/L (1300 ppb) set by the State of New Hampshire Department of Environmental Service and the Environmental Protection Agency. Compliance with the Lead and Copper Rule is when the 90-percent value of the samples collected are less than or equal to the Action Level values. The required second set of samples will be collected and tested in the 1st half of 2023.
We recommend the following tips to keep any potential lead and/or copper out of the water you drink and use:
- Most importantly, flushing your water is the simplest way to reduce exposure to lead or copper. When your water has been sitting for several hours, flush the tap until the water feels cold before use.
- Never use hot water from the faucet for drinking or cooking, especially when making baby formula.
- Lead and/or copper cannot be removed by boiling. Boiling water for an extended time may concentrate these metals.
- Use cold water from your faucet for cooking and bring only to a boil as long as needed to prepare the food.
For more information on lead in drinking water visit the Lead and Copper Rule page on the United States Environmental Protection Agency website.
If you have any questions regarding lead or copper in drinking water, please contact: Water Treatment Plant Superintendent Robert J. Buras at 603 448-2514 or robert.buras@lebanonnh.gov
Original source can be found here.
