Illinois American Water is again notifying customers that test samples from some homes and businesses in the Peoria District water system show elevated levels of lead.
The company says it collected 111 samples between July 1 and Dec. 31 last year, prioritizing buildings with existing lead service lines. More than 10% of the samples exceeded the action level of 15 parts-per-billion.
The drinking water notice comes as a requirement of the Environmental Protection Agency [EPA], echoing a similar alert issued in July.
Illinois American Water stressed that water leaving its facilities does not contain lead and is safe to drink. However, lead can enter the water through customer-owned service lines and internal plumbing.
“Providing safe, clean and reliable water service to our customers is our top priority,” Illinois American Water President Rebecca Losli said in a news release. “While samples have confirmed there is no lead in the finished water leaving our facilities, Illinois American Water has taken steps to help identify and remedy the presence of lead in these sample sites.
“We encourage customers to learn what they can do to help reduce their potential exposure to lead in drinking water and to check the material of their water service line. If it is made of lead or qualifying galvanized steel, Illinois American Water will work with you to replace it at no additional cost.”
According to the EPA, exposure to high levels of lead in drinking water presents health risks for people of all ages. Infants and children can see lower IQs and shortened attention spans, potentially creating or exacerbating learning disabilities and behavioral problems. Adults face increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure and kidney or nervous system issues.
Illinois American Water says it is taking multiple steps to address the elevated lead issue, including additional water sampling and quality monitoring, corrosion control steps and ongoing lead service line inventory and replacement that was initiated after the July announcement.
Illinois American Water says it has replaced more than 2,800 lead service lines in Peoria to date at no direct cost to customers and is expediting upcoming replacements in the area.
The company says customers with known lead service lines can take steps to reduce potential lead exposure, such as flushing the taps; using cold water for drinking, cooking and preparing baby formula; routinely cleaning faucet aerators, and replacing water filters in household appliances.
Customers can find detailed information about lead, water sample monitoring, and steps to reduce potential exposure at www.illinoisamwater.com/alerts.
