Some residents across the Concho Valley are being urged to pay closer attention to their drinking water after recent testing revealed elevated lead levels in certain homes.
The Millersview-Doole Water Supply Corporation reports that samples collected between July and December of last year showed more than ten percent exceeded the federal action level for lead. Five residential sinks tested above limits in Runnels, Concho, McCulloch, and Tom Green counties.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s action level for lead is point-zero-one-five milligrams per liter. The system’s ninety-percentile reading measured slightly higher, at point-zero-one-seven-three.
Health experts say lead exposure can be especially dangerous for infants, children, and pregnant women, potentially affecting brain development and learning. Adults may face increased risks of heart disease, kidney damage, and nervous system problems.
The water utility says additional testing is scheduled this year and a corrosion control study is now under review by state regulators.
