UPDATE 4:12 P.M.; this story was updated with comment from Illinois American Water
PEORIA, Ill. – Illinois American Water says a percentage of samples taken in the first half of the year in Peoria showed elevated levels of lead.
The company says 103 samples were collected from homes and businesses from January 1st to June 30th. More than 10% of those samples exceeded 15 parts per billion, which caused a Drinking Water Notice to be issued.
Illinois American Water’s Anna Kubas says there was a specific focus on where samples were collected.
“All samples were collected at locations that are known to have existing lead service lines, they’re not contained to one specific region of Peoria,” Kubas said.
Kubas notes that the water leaving the treatment plant in Peoria does not contain lead.
In the meantime, the company is asking people to flush taps, use cold water for drinking or cooking, remove and clean faucet aerators, and check and see if interior plumbing or faucets contain lead and replace them.
Illinois American Water says exposure to lead in drinking water can lead to negative effects such as decreases in IQ and attention spans in children, as well as increased risks for heart disease, high blood pressure, or kidney or nervous problems in adults.
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