A local environmental nonprofit organization on Saturday said it found lead in the water of the majority of homes in New Orleans. In some, the lead levels were many times higher than the threshold from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
This is according to the Water Collaborative of Greater New Orleans, a nonprofit that advocates and raises awareness surrounding water policy and management. The nonprofit tested the water of 114 homes in nearly 40 neighborhoods in New Orleans.
The tests found that 88% of homes had lead in their water, per the report.
Where Lead Levels Were Highest
Of all areas in New Orleans, District C had the highest number of households with lead in their waters exceeding the EPA threshold, which is 10 parts per million. These neighborhoods include Bywater, Holy Cross, and Marigny.
On the other hand, District E had the lowest levels of lead in water.
The study noted that 7.5% of all homes that tested positive for lead in water had levels that exceeded the EPA's threshold.
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The nonprofit said they did not find a strong correlation between lead levels in water and the age of a home or the household's income levels.
Following the nonprofit's report, the Sewage and Water Board (SWBNO) released a map that identified 15,000 customers who still have lead pipes in their homes. These pipes require replacement. The board said pipe materials for 12,000 of its customers were not immediately available.
Where Did the Lead Come From
Drinking water from the SWBNO passes through a treatment plant, which removes detectable levels of lead in the water, the company said, as cited by Axios New Orleans.
However, the water can be contaminated again if it runs through pipes or plumbing fixtures made of lead. Lead piping was common until the late 1980s.
The company said it will begin inspecting all pipes in the state next month. The inspections will start with pipes in schools before expanding to public lines.
Children who are exposed to lead in water can have neurodevelopmental issues, slowed growth, and anemia. In severe cases, it can cause coma and death.
In adults, lead exposure can lead to increased blood pressure, a higher risk of hypertension, kidney disease, and cognitive decline.
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