The potential for lead contaminated water has been highlighted in national, state and local news this spring and summer. As a precautionary measure, the county is voluntarily testing water at all county facilities – owned and leased – to ensure the health and safety of our employees, clients and visitors.
We have completed testing at all county owned facilities with the exception of the Health Department's Center Street building which is under construction and three outlying Public Works shops which are currently undergoing water testing. We are also testing Bear Creek and Spong's Landing parks where the county provides potable water.
We're pleased to report that test results received to date are all passing and meet EPA standards. We'll report back once test results are received for leased facilities.
Marion County's Environmental Health Division oversees drinking water quality standards for public water systems that use groundwater and serve 3,300 or less people. They are working closely with local school districts and physicians to provide guidance and best practices around potential lead exposure.
Exposure to lead isn't limited to schools and the workplace and drinking water only accounts for about 10 to 20 percent of total lead exposure. Those most affected by lead are children under six and exposure to lead dust is the most problematic.
Marion County Environmental Health provides the following tips if you're concerned about potential lead exposure for you or your family:
- Get tested – If you have concerns that you or your family have been exposed to lead, contact your physician. The most effective test is the venous, or blood, test.
- Test your water – If your home is on well water make sure your regular tests include tests for lead and copper. If you're on a municipal water system, contact your provider for a copy of their annual water quality report. However, most lead in water is attributed to lead pipes or copper pipes with lead solder. This is more commonly found in homes built prior to 1984.
- Use water from the cold water tap for drinking and cooking. Hot water is more likely to contain higher levels of lead.
- Run water for 2-3 minutes in the morning to flush the system if you're concerned your home has lead pipes or lead solder.
- Avoid removing paint unless you're sure it doesn't contain lead.
For more information, visit the Environmental Health web page or the Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water web page. You may contact Environmental Health at EnvironmentalHealth@co.marion.or.us or by calling (503) 588-5346.
