SHARE

Elevated Lead Levels Discovered In Bedford Water

BEDFORD, N.Y. -- Bedford residents are being warned that high lead levels have been found in the water in some homes in the Consolidated Water District, town officials announced Monday.

Bedford residents are being warned that some homes may have high levels of lead in their water.

Bedford residents are being warned that some homes may have high levels of lead in their water.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

The district, which provides water to parts of Bedford Hills and Katonah, have lead levels above the Department of Health action level of 15 micrograms of lead per liter of water, said the town's Department of Public Works Water Division.

Lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant woman and children under seven years old, town officials warned. 

And, until suspect water is tested, officials are warning against preparing baby formulas or cereal with the water. 

Water department officials said the easiest way to reduce the amount of lead consumed is to let tap water run for at least 15 to 30 seconds if it has been stagnant for a few hours. Boiling water does not help remove lead.

Residents can have their water tested at no cost, or receive more information about the issue, by calling 914-666-7855.

The water district said that because they do not have lead pipes or high lead solder in its supply or distribution system, the lead may be leaching from customer-owned pipes. 

Residents who have plumbing or plumbing fixtures purchased before January 2014, likely have lead content above the current standards, the town said. 

"The town has recently switched to a different blend of food grade water treatment chemical to help reduce the corrosivity of the water to plumbing and has seen the benefit of lower lead concentrations at customers' homes from doing so," Bedford officials stated in a press release.

Residents can find additional information regarding lead hazards and steps to take at bedfordny.gov on the Public Works Water Division page under the Departments tab.

to follow Daily Voice Somers and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE