Evidence Shows Plumbing As Cause Of Pound Ridge Library's Lead Woes

POUND RIDGE, N.Y. -- The high lead levels discovered in the Pound Ridge Library's tap water are believed to have originated from the plumbing system instead of the ground water, according to an update from Interim Library Director Mitch Freedman.

Tom Auchterlonie

05/25/2016 5:30 p.m.

"The testing was done on water from the library’s well and on tap water from inside the library," Freedman said in a statement. "The well water did not have high lead levels; only the tap water did."

Freedman continued, "These results suggest that the source of the lead is not the groundwater but the library’s plumbing system."

The test results, which were released earlier this month, revealed what Freedman called unacceptably high levels of lead" in the tap water. The data show that the tap water had lead levels of 86 parts per billion, far above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's highest allowable amount of 15 parts per billion.

"Lead in tap water can come from lead pipes, from lead solder on copper pipes, and from fixtures and fittings, even brass fixtures that are labeled “lead-free.”" Freedman added. "This problem can occur in buildings of any age. It is common in older houses, but it can also occur in newer ones. People who are concerned about lead in their household tap water should have their water tested."

The library is looking at acquiring filtration systems to make the tap water safe to drink, Freedman added. In the meantime, people are advised to not drink or cook with the tap water. Instead, according to Freedman, a bottled-water dispenser is available at the library.

Freedman also provided links to the EPA's website that deal with lead and to an EPA form for people to submit questions. The respectively links can be found here and here.

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