The village of Sunrise Beach is seeking volunteers for a statewide lead and copper water- testing program.
They are asking owners of single family homes to provide samples to enable them to ensure compliance with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act of 1986.
Barry Campbell, water operator, said that he did not anticipate a lead or copper contamination problem in the area, but said state and federal laws required the testing.
In order to meet guidelines, homes involved in the testing program must have copper pipes that are joined with lead solder.
The most preferable sites are in homes built in 1993 or after. Homes built before that may also qualify if not enough homes with lead solder are found. Also, samples may not be taken at homes that have water softeners or filters.
Samples must be collected from the cold water tap of the kitchen or bathroom sink, and the water must sit motionless in the pipes for at least six hours.
The water system said that it would most likely ask customers to take the sample for them first thing in the morning or in the afternoon when customers return from work.
The testing will begin soon.
Lead is a common metal found in many paints, air, soil, dust, food and water.
According to representatives of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, lead can pose a significant health risk if too much enters the body.
It can cause damage to the brain, red blood cells and kidneys. It is particularly harmful to the developing brain and nervous system of fetuses and young children (below 6 years of age).
Lead in drinking water, although rarely the sole cause of lead poisoning can increase a person’s total lead exposure. It is estimated that, nationwide, water contributes less than 20 percent lead exposure.
Lead enters drinking water primarily as a result of the corrosion of household plumbing materials, including lead based solder used to join copper pipes, brass and chrome plated faucets and in some cases, pipes made of lead that connect houses to the water main.
The village of Sunrise Beach does not have any lead service lines. Copper is not a health threat to most people. There are some people who have genetic disorders that make them sensitive to even small amounts.
The purpose for testing for copper is that it is an indicator of water corrosively. If you are interested in participating in the program please call Campbell at 374-8782
Sunrise Beach, Mo. —
