FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE00-35
July
27, 2000
Contact:
Geoff Ryan
(718/595-6600)
New
York City Meets Federal Safety Regulations For Lead In Drinking Water
Commissioner Joel A. Miele Sr., P.E., of the New York City Department
of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced today that the City's
Residential Lead in Drinking Water program again has successfully
met all government standards.
"I am pleased to report that DEP's Citywide Lead in Drinking
Water program has met and exceeded the federal guidelines for the
third testing period in a row, which ended on June 30, 2000,"
said Commissioner Miele.
New York City water is virtually lead-free when it is delivered
from the City's upstate reservoir system. However, water can absorb
lead from solder, fixtures and pipes in the plumbing of some buildings
and homes.
To minimize absorption of lead from plumbing systems, DEP started
use of a mild corrosion control compound and adjusted the water's
pH. To monitor the effectiveness of the corrosion control efforts,
the Department has been tracking lead levels in tap water taken from
selected homes around the City.
For people concerned that lead might be present in their drinking
water, the Department also instituted a comprehensive public education
program that lists simple steps they can take to reduce the possibility
of lead in drinking water. For instance, before using water that has
been standing in pipes for more than six hours, people may flush the
cold-water tap for 30 seconds to two minutes until the water turns
cold; and, because hot water is more apt to leach lead from plumbing
than cold water, people should only use water from the cold water
tap for cooking, drinking and preparing baby formula. Consumers of
water in the City may request a free kit to test for lead in drinking
water by calling 718-DEP-HELP (718-337-4357). Additional information
is available from the federal Environmental Protection Agency's Safe
Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.