I heard that in Washington D.C. lead from water pipes was leaching into the water supply and chloramine may be responsible; what is Palo Altos response?
In communities like Palo Alto where all lead services and pipes were removed years ago there continues to be extremely low levels of lead in the water. Although we are not required to test for lead this year since our levels have remained low for the last decade, we and the SFPUC are being cautious and testing for lead in September 2004 as a result of the situation in Washington D.C. We expect results to be normal. Additionally, the California Department of Health Services is also closely monitoring lead levels where water is chloraminated in the Bay Area. Alameda has used chloraminated water for years without an increase in lead levels. It’s important to remember, though, that a home or business’ plumbing system can affect lead levels in the water within that home or business.
