D.C. Water Meters Studied For Lead

Thousands of new water meters in the District are being closely examined as officials continue to investigate what might be responsible for elevated lead levels in the city's drinking water.

The D.C. Water and Sewer Authority spent about 36 million dollars in 2002 and 2003 to replace the city's meters in an effort to get more accurate readings on water usage and improve customer billing.

Unfortunately, the new meters are made of materials that contain five to seven percent lead.

Several independent analysts say that while the new meters are considered "lead free" under federal standards, they are likely leaching some lead into the city's drinking water.

The analysts agree that the District's lead service lines pose the biggest threat to the city's water supply. Still, they say WASA should adopt new policies to make sure they install only truly lead-free meters from now on.

Source: The Associated Press