Swampscott issues drinking water warning – Itemlive

SWAMPSCOTT — The Water and Sewer Department has issued a warning to all residents regarding the quality of their drinking water, saying it may be contaminated with traces of lead.

In a statement mailed to community members, the department stressed that the water line connecting their homes to the water supply was constructed from an “unknown” material that may contain traces of lead.

To try to combat this problem before it becomes a more serious problem, the city has provided information about the health effects of lead and possible steps residents can take to reduce exposure.

“There is no safe level of lead in drinking water,” the statement said. “Exposure can cause serious health effects in all age groups, especially pregnant women, infants and young children.” The statement also added that exposure in adults may result in a greater risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney or nervous system problems.

Until the material from which the service line is made is determined and once traces of lead, if any, are properly removed, the statement suggests a number of precautions residents can take to ensure their safety.

The first proposal advised residents to run the water for at least one minute or until it cooled to try to wash away any remaining traces of lead. Lead levels may increase over time because water is present in plumbing materials that contain lead, according to the statement. The city added that using water primarily for purposes other than drinking, such as doing laundry or bathing, can help reduce lead traces.

The statement also categorically stated that residents should not boil water to remove lead. Another suggested strategy was to use NSF-approved filters, which can help remove traces of lead.

The city is also encouraging residents to identify and replace any lead-containing plumbing fixtures or any lead-contaminated copper pipes in their homes.

What makes this task even more difficult is that lead cannot be seen, tasted or smelled in drinking water, according to the statement.

Another important piece of information in the statement was the need to test children for lead. The statement notes that children are at higher risk of lead poisoning. The city says parents should consult their children’s doctor or contact their local state health department.

The statement also stressed that residents are keen to get tested in their own homes.

“We ask that every resident contact the Department of Public Works (DPW) to have their systems inspected,” said Swampscott DPW Director Gino Cresta. “What we’ll be doing is going into every house and testing ourselves for lead, hopefully to start reassuring people.”