Unknown Lead Source Plagues Dallas Suburb Building

An unknown source of lead has tainted the water of a municipal building in the Dallas suburb of Oak Cliff, according to The Dallas Morning News.

An alarming level of lead was found in the water of the Oak Cliff Municipal Center after employees complained about smelly water, the newspaper reported. But the source of the lead remains a mystery.

Tests were administered to about 230 employees in the building to check for lead in their blood. So far, none of the people who have received their results showed unusual levels.

The building was built in the mid-1950s, using copper pipes joined with solder that contains lead. A protective layer of calcium usually stops the lead from being in touch with the water.

The city plans investigate the building's plumbing and mechanical systems to find the origin of the problem. Meanwhile, water fountains bear the sign "Do not drink" and water coolers have been brought in to replace them.

(Source: The Dallas Morning News)