Lead contaminates the homes of Denver residents

Recent test results have Denver residents worried for their health. According to routine examinations, approximately one in eight homes in the area may contain contaminated water. Denver Water, the company in charge of water distribution to the city, reported excessive lead concentration in pipelines, especially in homes built before the 1960s.

Coinciding with the recent increase, Colorado health officials are reporting high levels of lead in patients’ blood in Denver and surrounding areas. Lead poisoning can result in many health problems, especially in children, including brain, nerve, and kidney damage.

Precautions have been taken by the Environmental Protection Agency and Denver Water in order to ensure the safety of the city population. Over 1.3 million residents were notified and advised to take extra care. Officials are now continuously testing main pipelines in order to assess and repair any contaminated plumbing.

Those at risk are the residents whose houses either contain or are connected to lead plumbing. If the pipes are corroding in any way lead can leak into the water, which flows from taps. However, just having lead plumbing does not necessarily mean the water is tainted. Therefore, officials recommend home water testing, conducted by any plumber or water technician.

Concerned residents can take simple
precautions in order to avoid contact with the toxic metal. These include letting the
faucets run a bit before drawing the water and using filters for drinking and cooking. Water testing, which can be as inexpensive as $20 a sample, is the most efficient method to prevent lead poisoning and ensure peace
of mind.