The city of Ottawa and Illinois EPA has found amounts of lead higher than the approved levels in the drinking water of some Ottawa homes.
The issue is not related to the city's source water but is instead site-specific and relates to an individual's plumbing and fixtures.
TEST Inc. President Chris Perra, of the city's water and sewer operator, said 4 of 30 sites tested had lead amounts more than the EPA level 15 parts per billion, or .015 milligrams of lead per liter of water.
Perra said the test is conducted where the fourth-highest sample is judged by the EPA-approved level, which in this case was 17.8 parts per billion.
"So we were just barely over for meeting that guideline," Perra said.
The exceedance occurred in September and the city was notified in October, according to a notification document on the city's website.
The city of Ottawa and Illinois EPA will conduct further investigations this month by sampling for lead and copper throughout the distribution system. If those results again show a higher than normal amount of lead, a Corrosion Control treatment will be installed to ensure safe drinking water.
Tracking the issue down and addressing it can be tricky, however, given that the experience is usually site-specific and not related to source water, meaning it comes down to the individual's plumbing and fixtures. Perra said in many cases, the issue can be fixed in a home by simply replacing a faucet.
Federal law, however, requires a program to be put in place to minimize lead by April 2020 if further investigations show the amount of lead is more than the EPA-approved level.
Perra said all 30 homeowners in the test were alerted to the results. He added those who are concerned should ask themselves whether they drink the water, or if have pregnant residents or young children drink the water as they are more susceptible to health risk, and whether they want to have their system tested for lead.
"If you do drink the water, let it run and get cold," Perra said. "It makes sure that it's not stagnant water that has been sitting in the pipes."
Perra said they're currently addressing people's concerns and issues one at a time and will continue testing this month.
A few steps can be taken to reduce exposure to lead through the water:
• Run your water for 15 to 30 seconds to flush lead from interior plumbing or until it becomes cold and reaches a steady temperature before using it for drinking or cooking.
• Use cold water for cooking and preparing baby formula. Do not boil water from the hot water tap as hot water can dissolve lead more quickly than cold water. If hot water is needed, draw water from the cold tap and heat it on the stove.
• Identify and replace plumbing fixtures containing lead.
• Test your water for lead. Call the city of Ottawa at 815-433-0161 ext. 312 to find out how to have your water tested.
• Have your child's blood tested by contacting your local health department or health care provider if you're concerned about exposure.
• Look for alternative sources or treatment of water. Consider purchasing bottled water or a water filter and read the package to be sure the filer is approved to reduce lead.
The Times will update this story with more information.