PUBLIC EDUCATION MATERIAL INTRODUCTION
As required by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), since 1993 the Clay County Utility Authority has tested water samples collected from inside homes constructed during a time when lead solder or lead pipes were commonly used in house plumbing. The tests are designed to detect lead and copper. Until very recently, all test results indicate lead and copper levels at either less than the detection limit, or concentrations that are well below maximum limits established by USEPA.
Recently, two homes in the Ravines community tested slightly above the lead action level threshold of 0.015 milligrams per liter. Though the follow-up samples were taken out of the required sampling period, results from testing still indicated lead concentrations well below the 0.015 milligrams per liter limit. Water samples from these two homes have been analyzed 6 times since 1993. With the exception of the two recent samples, all of these test results indicate lead concentrations well below the action level.
Since we have two samples that exceeded the lead action limit, and we have no way of validating the accuracy of these specific test results, federal regulations require us to develop a program designed to minimize the amount of lead leaching from your plumbing into your drinking water. This program includes corrosion control treatment, source water treatment and public education.
The USEPA has prepared the public education materials that follow. While this generic document does contain some useful information, there are some notable facts that do not apply to our community. Since we are required by federal law to publish this material verbatim, we believe it is important for you to understand the following facts about recent test results and facts about the Clay County Utility Authority’s water system before you review the information prepared by the USEPA.
• Two sample results from homes in Ravines community tested positive for lead. Follow-up testing showed lead levels well below limits prescribed by the USEPA. The homeowners have been notified of both the initial and follow-up test results. All other lead sample results in our service area are normal;
• The Clay County Utility Authority does not own, operate or maintain any lead pipes. The vast majority of our water mains and service laterals are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC);
• Water from our wells, as well as from our distribution system is regularly tested for lead. These results indicate lead levels in your water supply are either well below the maximum limit allowed by federal regulations, or less than detection limits.
According to the USEPA, the most likely source of lead or copper in your drinking water (in our community) is related to a homeowner’s plumbing. Lead can get into your water from plumbing fixtures and the solder used to connect copper pipes. Copper may be introduced to water through copper pipes and brass plumbing fixtures. If you have any questions regarding this information, please contact us at 904-272-5999.
Clay County Utility Authority
