After historic flooding in late September from the remnants of Hurricane Helene, the Water Resources Department in Asheville, North Carolina, USA, launched an investigative sampling program to test for lead and copper from 25 locations across its network’s distribution system.

The program was done in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

“Plumbing in structures built before 1988 has increased potential to be a source of lead exposure if water sits undisturbed for four to six hours,” the Water Resources Department writes. “For this reason, the department treats water with zinc orthophosphate, which provides corrosion control. Due to the piping configuration at the North Fork treatment plant, Water Resources was unable to treat the raw reservoir water for 19 days.”

Samples were sent to an independent, third-party lab, and results indicated detectable lead levels from pipes in seven schools. All copper levels were well below regulatory limits. The lead levels were not found in the water source itself, but rather from water traveling through older pipes owned by customers.

At the time of sampling, the schools were closed, and water had been sitting in the pipes for up to three weeks. After schools reopened, students were told not to consume tap water, with bottled water provided. In line with EPA recommendations, the schools implemented protective measures, including installing National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certified filters. They also assessed plumbing systems for potential exposures.

The department plans to re-sample affected schools and private residences over the coming months to monitor progress and verify the effectiveness of corrosion control treatment. Meanwhile, residents are encouraged to participate in Asheville’s free lead and copper testing program. 

To request a testing kit, or to learn more information, visit www.ashevillenc.gov/leadawareness. All Asheville water customers remained under a boil water notice until at least early November.

Source: Asheville Water Resources Department, www.ashevillenc.gov/department/water.