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CONTINUING COVERAGE: LEAD PIPES Testing lab says lead more often found in homes Comment By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Follow @@reporterdm MailTribune.com By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Follow @@reporterdm Posted Jun. 26, 2016 at 4:40 AM By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Follow @@reporterdm Posted Jun. 26, 2016 at 4:40 AM » Social News Over the years, lead and other toxic substances routinely have been found in water samples in Southern Oregon and the rest of the state. Kim Ramsay, vice president and chief financial officer of Neilson Research Corp. in Medford, estimates that about 1 to 2 percent of the samples received over the years have lead above the action level set by the federal Environmental Protection Agency of 15 parts per billion. The high levels are not usually the result of water supplies, however, said Ramsay, whose company provides water testing for customers ranging from corporations and public agencies to individual homeowners. “I don’t think the community understands that the lead pipes are in their homes,” she said. Neilson has seen a flood of samples pouring in from schools, well owners and now local residents alarmed at recent reports of lead pipes in Medford's water system as well as tests that showed high levels of lead in the water at two locations in Medford. Older homes have connections, even faucets, that may have lead in them, Ramsay said. Even the aerator at the faucet can collect lead and should be cleaned regularly. Ramsay said her private company can’t discuss confidential sampling that might have been done on individual homes or neighborhoods. The same confidentiality policy applies to government agencies and school districts. Local school districts are having their school buildings' water tested following a recommendation from the Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Department of Education. That came after the Portland Public Schools' had conducted tests over the past seven years that revealed high lead levels that weren't disclosed to the public The Medford School District tested most of its water fixtures between 2006 and 2008. At that time, tests at Jefferson Elementary revealed unacceptable lead levels of 0.015 to 0.017 milligrams, resulting in a replacement of the school’s plumbing system. Since then, it has implemented a more rigorous testing system and has not turned up additional problems. Other districts in the valley also say their water tests have come back with passing grades. Since the discovery of the lead pipes, the Medford Water Commission has recommended local residents run their water for 30 seconds to two minutes prior to drinking if the water has been sitting in the pipes for an extended period of time. Lead is also not typically found in well water, though other toxic substances such as arsenic are found in local samples, Ramsay said. By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Follow @@reporterdm MailTribune.com By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Follow @@reporterdm Posted Jun. 26, 2016 at 4:40 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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