CUMMING, Ga. — The Environmental Protection Agency is forcing Cumming Utilities to test all water systems for the presence of lead and copper. The new regulation pertains to water systems in homes that were built after 1982 and before June 1988.
According to Cumming Utilities, the EPA is targeting homes built in this time period, because copper pipes with lead were used to construct water systems. The lead pipes may have the tendency to deteriorate into the water.
This problem normally occurs in water standing in pipes for more than six hours or in water systems that do not provide corrosion control. The City of Cumming Water System didn't begin performing corrosion control in their systems until 1988.
According to the EPA, exposure to lead through drinking water can lead to damage to the central and peripheral nervous system, learning disabilities, shorter stature, impaired hearing, and impaired formation and function of blood cells.
Cumming Utilities says that while participation is voluntary, they are encouraging residents to help them comply with the Federal requirement. If your home was built between 1982 and 1988 and agree to participate, Cumming Utilities will provide you with a sample bottle and ask you to collect a cold-water sample periodically. The samples will initially be taken once every six months and less frequent after.
You can download a form to participate in the study here. You are then asked to email the form to tombryson@cityofcumming.net or mail it to:
Cumming Utilities Water Production Division
935 Dahlonega Highway
Cumming, Georgia 30040
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