Cheyenne’s Water Testing Reveals Lead Levels In Some Homes

The Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities says water testing in Cheyenne has revealed elevated levels of lead in drinking water in some homes in the city.

That's according to a BOPU news release.

According to the release, the BOPU collected 30 water samples for testing this month. By Friday, Sept. 26, results from a certified laboratory for 25 of those samples had come back, with three of the samples exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency action level for lead.

What Is A Lead Action Level?

According to the release: "The lead action level is a measure of the effectiveness of corrosion control treatment in water systems. The action level is not a standard for establishing a safe level of lead in a home. To check if corrosion control is working, EPA requires water systems to conduct tap water sampling for lead at locations with higher potential for lead exposure. The BOPU compares sample results from each home sampled to the EPA’s action level of 0.015 mg/L (15 ppb). If 10 percent of the samples from these homes have water concentrations that are greater than the action level, then the system must perform actions such as public education, adjusting treatment, and lead service line replacement."

The release says all three of the homes that tested high for lead in the water were in an area northwest of the intersection of East Pershing Blvd. and Evans Avenue. The water that tested high was taken directly from the faucet. That's important because it tends to indicate the lead was from plumbing in the house rather than in the overall water supply.

For parents who are concerned about the potential effects of lead on their children, the BOPU is recommending testing for blood lead levels by a doctor or pediatrician.

You can find out about other steps people should take to protect themselves here.