AUBURN, Maine — The Auburn Water District is warning residents about elevated levels of lead in the drinking water of some homes and buildings.
Officials say tests are mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency and done every three years. The tests revealed an increase in lead. But the good news is the lead isn’t in Lake Auburn, which is the water source; instead, it’s inside the internal plumbing. Water district superintendent Sid Hazelton said it’s mostly found in homes built in the 1980s.
Exposure can cause health problems, such as damage to the brain and kidneys, especially in pregnant women and young children.
The district is notifying the public and will test 60 more homes over the next six months. They will continue testing until levels come down.
In the meantime, there are steps residents can take to protect themselves. They say run the water for at least 15 seconds until it is cold before using it for drinking or cooking, consider using bottled water and change plumbing materials from brass or copper to plastic.
Residents will be getting materials in the mail. The materials will provide information on how to get their water tested for lead, which costs about $25.