Lansing Residents Fear Water Lead Contamination

Lansing, Mich. residents have been snapping up bottled water and water filters as they wait for lead service lines to be replaced by the Lansing Board of Water and Light, The Associated Press reported.

Recently a stepped-up plan was announced to replace about 14,000 lead service line pipes in 10 years, according to utility officials. They say buying bottled water is a waste of money and insist customers can easily ensure their water is safe.

But that isn't stopping people from buying $14-29 water pitchers, faucet-attached filters and dollar-a-gallon jugs of water, the Lansing State Journal reported. The rush is largely attributed to the fact that people are concerned about the possibility of lead contamination.

According to utility officials, their water is lead-free when it leaves the water plant, but can become contaminated if it sits in lead service lines. Letting a tap run for two minutes and not using hot tap water for cooking, drinking or making baby formula can ensure the water is lead-free.

Water at 10 Board of Water and Light-served homes measured high for lead in the past four years, but the utility's water meets overall state and federal standards for acceptable lead levels.

Kelly Walters never bought bottled water for her three children until last month, when she first learned her home had lead service lines. She hasn't been able to learn when the lead piping would be replaced.

"It's become very costly–I've spent at least $100 the last month on water," she said. "But I am not taking any chances with my children."

Source: The Associated Press