NOTICE - HIGH LEAD LEVEL IN SOME HOMES
Village of Ceresco
217 S 2nd PO Box 160 Ceresco, NE 68017
The Village of Ceresco found high levels of lead in drinking water in some homes. Lead can cause serious health problems. For more information, please call the Village of Ceresco at
402-665-2391 or Email at cerescoutilities@gmail.com
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT LEAD IN YOUR DRINKING WATER
The Village of Ceresco found elevated levels of lead in drinking water in some homes/buildings. Lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and children 6 years and younger. Please read this notice closely to see what you can do to reduce lead in your drinking water. The lead level that requires public education and additional requirements is 15 parts per billion or 0.015 mg/L. The level of lead for our public water system is 0.016 mg/L.
REQUIRED NOTICES
This information is not new and we know you are getting bombarded with letters. Hopefully this will answer any questions you may have. The Village of Ceresco is required by state and federal government to send a LEAD EXCEEDANCE notification to residents every quarter. Additionally, you will receive a service line material notification letter yearly.
WHAT HAPPENED & WHAT IS BEING DONE?
The result from the Village of Ceresco, NE311503, 2024 lead monitoring season exceeded the 90th percentile action level (AL) for lead content. The action level set by the EPA and enforced by Nebraska’s Regulations Governing Public Water Supply Systems, Title 179 NAC 12-003.01 for lead is 0.015 milligrams per liter (mg/L).
The calculated 90th percentile lead level from the most recent sampling for the Village of Ceresco was 0.016 mg/L. This level requires follow-up actions in accordance with the Nebraska Regulations Governing Public Water Supply Systems, Title 179 NAC 12-003.01 to 12-003.05.
The Village of Ceresco has been and will continue to follow state guidelines and procedures to monitor and reduce lead levels in drinking water.
Historically the Village of Ceresco has not had issues with lead in drinking water. Due to high lead results from individual residences, a lead action level exceedance had been issued for the Village of Ceresco. Lead levels will continue to be monitored according to state guidelines.
HEALTH EFFECTS OF LEAD
Lead can cause serious health problems if too much enters your body from drinking water or other sources. It can cause damage to the brain and kidneys and can interfere with the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen to all parts of your body. The greatest risk of lead exposure is to infants, young children, and pregnant women. Scientists have linked the effects of lead on the brain with lowered IQ and attention span in children. Adults with kidney problems and high blood pressure can be affected by low levels of lead more than healthy adults. Lead is stored in the bones, and it can be released later in life. During pregnancy, the child receives lead from the mother’s bones, which may affect brain development.
SOURCES OF LEAD
Lead is a common metal found in the environment. Drinking water is one possible source of lead exposure. The main source of lead exposure is lead based paint, lead-contaminated dust or soil, and some plumbing materials. Brass faucets, fittings and valves, including those advertised as “lead free,” may contribute lead to drinking water. Lead can also be found in certain types of pottery, pewter, brass fixtures, and cosmetics. Other sources include exposure in the workplace and exposure from certain hobbies (lead can be carried on clothing or shoes). Lead is found in some toys, some playground equipment and some children’s metal jewelry. When water is in contact with pipes, service lines, or plumbing that contain lead for several hours, lead may enter drinking water. Homes built before 1988 are more likely to have plumbing containing lead.
EPA estimates that 10-20% of a person’s potential exposure to lead may come from drinking water. Infants who consume mostly formula mixed with lead-containing drinking water can receive 40-60 % of their exposure to lead through drinking water.
STEPS TO TAKE TO REDUCE LEAD IN YOUR WATER
RUN YOUR WATER TO FLUSH OUT LEAD. If the tap hasn’t been used for several hours, run water for 15-30 seconds to flush lead from interior plumbing or until it becomes cold or reaches a steady temperature before using it for drinking or cooking.
USE COLD WATER FOR COOKING AND PREPARING BABY FORMULA. Lead dissolves more easily into hot water. Do not use water from the hot water rap to cook, drink or make baby formula.
DO NOT BOIL WATER TO REMOVE LEAD. Boiling water will not reduce lead.
LOOK FOR ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OR TREATMENT OF WATER. You may want to consider purchasing bottled water or a water filter. Read package to be sure the filter is approved to reduce lead. Be sure to maintain and replace a filter in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions to protect water quality.
GET YOUR CHILD’S BLOOD TESTED. Contact your local health department or healthcare provider to find out how you can get your child tested for lead, if you are concerned about exposure.
GET YOUR TAP TESTED. Please contact the Village of Ceresco for more information.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON LEAD:
Call us at 402-665-2391. For more information on reducing lead exposure around your home/building and the health effects of lead, visit EPA’s website at https://www.epa.gov/lead or contact your health care provider.
Date Distributed __________________ The Village of Ceresco
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