This recent press release from the American Chemistry Society reports on a case study from the organization’s Environmental Science & Technology journal on the topic of lead contamination in private wells. This case study focuses on health department findings in Macon County, North Carolina, from a few years ago.
Here is a brief summary of the case study:
- Water was examined in the county after two children were found to have elevated blood-lead levels
- Testing revealed “relatively high” levels of lead in the drinking water of multiple homes with private wells
- The most lead was found in the water immediately after faucets were turned on, and then at varying levels
This case study illustrates that, while we know lead can be present in private wells, little is still known about how lead gets released into these systems. The study also suggests that it’s possible that the underestimation of lead in private wells may be masking a “hidden problem”.
Learn more by viewing the full ACS press release on the topic or the abstract for the Environmental Science & Technology article.
