Andover Reports High Lead Levels In 6 Home Water Tests

ANDOVER, MA — Water in six recently sampled Andover homes had lead levels above the federal action limit, the point at which the water system must take action, the town said Monday.

Drinking water in 31 residences were tested as part of the annual Lead and Copper Sampling Program from June to Sept., Director of Public Works Christopher Cronin said in a news release.

Six of those homes had lead levels above 15 parts per billion, the Environmental Protection Agency's action limit, Cronin said.

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The Public Works Department emphasized that the town's water supply is not contaminated with lead. Rather, some home service lines are.

"Lead detected during these sampling activities originate from the home’s water service line or internal plumbing," Cronin said. "There are approximately 10,000 water service lines in the Town. Of those 10,000 water service lines, there are approximately 150 known water service lines in Town containing lead."

The lead test results are communicated directly with the homeowners whose water is tested. All residents will also receive a public notice in the mail.

Lead can cause health problems in pregnant women and young children, according to the release.

"The DPW’s inventory shows that lead lined services are mostly found between the curb stop and dwelling," Cronin said. "This piping is owned by the property owner."

No action is needed for residents who are not affected, the release said.

"The DPW will be following up with those individual homeowners shortly, in order to explore options to replace their lead water service line," Cronin said. "The DPW will also follow up with individual homeowners in the event that future work uncovers the presence of a lead water service line on their property."

The sampling program will be doubled in size to 60 participants and doubled in frequency from annually to once every six months.

"For more information, please visit www.andoverma.gov/lead or contact the Andover DPW at 978-623-8703 or by email at leadservices@andoverma.us," the release concludes.