Elevated levels of lead found in Richmond drinking water

RICHMOND – Customers of the Richmond Utilities District received notices with this month’s bills that elevated levels of lead have been detected in town drinking water.

In two sets of water-quality tests last fall, two out of 10 homes were found to have the elevated levels, said Bruce Gardner, district superintendent.

Lead amounts that exceed the primary drinking-water standard of 0.015 milligrams per liter have been linked to nervous system disorders, brain and kidney damage, and harm to unborn children and children under 3 years old, according to the state Department of Human Services.

The utilities district suggested that residents get their water tested for lead and that they let cold water run from the tap before using it if the water has gone unused for more than six hours.