Whitman employs a staff of several professionals including scientists, environmental technicians and other professionals to provide Lead in Drinking Water Assessment Services for our clients. We have assisted many clients, including school districts, in the collection of water samples for analysis, and the implementation of corrective actions to reduce lead detected in the water and exposure to individuals.
How does lead get into drinking water?
Until it was banned by federal law in 1986, lead was used in household plumbing pipes, in the solder connecting copper pipes, and in lead service lines (lead pipes that connect the home to the water main located in the streets). The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes, faucets and plumbing fixtures. Lead can enter drinking water when these plumbing materials that contain lead corrode, especially in cases where the water has high acidity or low mineral content which corrodes the pipes and fixtures.
What are the health effects of exposure to lead in drinking water?
Exposure to lead at any level can be associated with adverse health effects. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set the maximum contaminant level goal for lead in drinking water at zero because of lead’s classification as a toxic metal that can be harmful to human health, even at low exposure levels. Since lead is persistent, it can bioaccumulate in the body over time.
Young children, infants, and fetuses are particularly vulnerable to lead because the physical and behavioral effects of lead occur at lower exposure levels in children than in adults. In children, low levels of exposure have been linked to central and peripheral nervous system damage, learning disabilities, impaired hearing, and impaired formation and function of blood cells.
How do I know if there is lead in my drinking water?
Both the EPA and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) have established “Action Levels” as enforceable trigger points at which levels corrective action should be taken. Having your drinking water tested for lead is recommended in order to prevent or reduce the changes of health effects due to lead in drinking water.
We Can Help
For school districts that require lead testing, Whitman is an Educational Services Commission approved vendor through New Jersey State Approved Co-Op #65MCESCCPS, RFQ Term: 12/13/19 – 12/12/22 (RFQ Title: PLANNING FOR LEAD TESTING CONSULTING SERVICES).
For more information, please contact:
John Beaupre
Senior Vice President
jbeaupre@whitmanco.com
(732) 390-5858
Posted on July 13, 2021
