The North Carolina Division of Water Infrastructure has just received a federal grant of $87 million to combat lead contamination in the state’s drinking water. A significant portion, $47.5 million, is being distributed as smaller loans and grants to approximately 60 public water systems across our state for identifying and replacing lead service lines (you can see the full list of recipients here).
Lead, a toxic substance with no safe exposure level, poses a significant health risk. The EPA’s Action Level for lead in public water supplies is set at 15 parts per billion, necessitating immediate action by utilities, though this does not cover private wells.
Historically, lead service lines were commonly installed until the 1940s, with some areas continuing their use until the 1980s, despite a federal ban in 1986 and a North Carolina State Plumbing Code ban in 1987.
Currently, many old lead pipes still remain, threatening the quality of drinking water in homes. Gaston County is the most affected in the Charlotte region, with towns like Belmont, Ranlo, and Gastonia reporting high levels of lead in municipal water.
If you’re concerned about the drinking water around your home, officials recommend using a drinking water test kit and installing a reverse osmosis filtration system if contaminants are found.
