In April this year, volunteers tested lead levels in drinking water in 102 homes in the city of Duluth. Out of 100 homes, 30 of them had lead levels that are above the current EPA limit of 15 parts per billion (ppb), and 49 out of them were at levels above 10 ppb.
The city stated that no specific neighborhoods had higher amounts of lead than others but homes on a “dead-end” generally had higher lead results compared to homes in more densely developed areas.
Officials are encouraging residents of Duluth who live in homes built before 1930 to run a faucet for at least 3 minutes before drinking water or to buy a filter.
Related Reading
- Drinking Water Issues in Duluth, Minnesota — The broader water quality picture in Duluth.
- The Impact of Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreaks in Duluth — Another water-related health concern in Duluth.
- Flint, Michigan Water Crisis — The crisis that made lead in water a national priority.
- Chicago’s Lead Service Lines and Drinking Water — Lead pipes in older homes is a nationwide issue.