Clermont County Water Resources Department

Lead in Drinking Water Concerns

If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. In accordance with the EPA Primary Drinking Water Standards, Clermont County has been testing for lead in our drinking water in homes since 1992 and has always been in compliance with the standard. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. We are responsible for providing high-quality drinking water, but we cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. More information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791) or at:

http://www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/lead-and-copper-rule

Additional information:

• Clermont County Water Resources Department does provide corrosion control protection at each of our water treatment plants. This allows the water to create a film or scale inside the pipes and reduces the risk of lead or copper being dissolved by the drinking water.
• If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested by an independent laboratory. Ohio EPA maintains a list of certified laboratories at: http://www.epa.state.oh.us/ddagw/labcert.aspx For additional information or questions, please contact Mark Day with the Clermont County Water Resources Department at (513) 732-7945.
• Or, call the Ohio EPA Division of Environmental Services Laboratory Certification Section at (614) 644-4245