NEWBURGH – Water flowing
into some homes and businesses in the City of Newburgh has lead levels that
exceed the “action level,” the city water department reported.
Newburgh has been using the New York City Catskill Aqueduct for well over
a year and recently switched over to Brown’s Pond as New York temporarily
shut down the aqueduct for repairs. Water from the aqueduct and pond has
been determined to be fine, but the lead may come from old pipes, fittings
and fixtures.
A report from the water department for the monitoring period of January
1, 2018 through December 31, 2018 found samples reflect an exceeded action
level of 15 micrograms per liter. Since the 90th percentile lead level of
17.8 micrograms exceeded the 15 microgram level, the water system will be
monitored semiannually, the Newburgh Water Department report stated.
City Manager Michael Ciaravino said some residents have received funding
for water line replacements while money is still available for others.
“Thus far 19 homes have been fully approved and we are awaiting quotes
for additional. Seven residents have completed their line replacements.
All interested residents should call 845-565-3356,” he said. “We
are also working to secure additional funding to remediate additional homes
that have the lead service line replacement requirement.”
The advisory from the city water department said “if lead-containing
plumbing materials are identified in your home, you may want to consider
testing your water for lead to determine how much lead is in your drinking
water.”
