According to the New Britain Water Department, results from required testing for lead in tap water have shown that the federally mandated action levels have been exceeded.

The regulations require that 90 percent of the homes tested have lead levels below 15 parts per billion. Currently only 80 percent of the homes tested are below the mandated action level.

"Three years ago this wasn’t a problem," said Ray Esponda, superintendent of water quality.

"We have a new plant now, and we are continuing to study the problem. We believe our water may be affecting people’s pipes. But this is a natural process. Water oxidizes metal naturally."

The Water Department is looking into ways to change the pH balance in the water as a possible way to slow down the erosion process.

"But this isn’t something we can do quickly." Esponda said.

"It’s a slow process. We don’t want to shock the system."

Esponda stresses to the community not to be alarmed. "We are still providing people with good healthy water. We believe it’s their pipes that are causing the lead to show up. The source is in people’s plumbing from lead pipes. If water sits too long in an old pipe it starts to corrode."

Lead education materials produced by the Water Department states that unhealthy amounts of lead builds up in the body over many years and can cause damage to the brain, red blood cells and kidneys. The greatest risk, however is to young children and pregnant women.

"We urge everyone to get their water tested." Esponda said. "Especially anyone who has a house built prior to 1986.

It wasn’t until 1986 that the law forbid the use of lead in houses so these houses may be more likely to have higher levels of lead in the water."

The Water Department suggests that you let the water run from the tap before using it for drinking or cooking any time the water faucet has gone unused for more than six hours.

Other precautionary measures and suggestions are available at the New Britain Water Department.

To have your water tested for lead or to get more information about this public health concern, contact (860) 826-3540. There is a $7 fee for lead testing.