ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — Rowan County is asking dozens of residents to test their water after several homes were flagged for having high levels of lead.
Lead was found in the water supply in some homes in the Dukeville Community. The discovery comes years after the county had more than 160 residents switched from well water to a county water line because of coal ash contamination concerns.
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Homeowner Bonita Queen told Channel 9 that although she doesn’t drink tap water after problems were found with her well, she still hoped it was safe.
“It’s ridiculous to continue to have to go through another struggle with the water when it’s supposed to be fixed,” she said.
According to the county, regular testing revealed elevated levels of lead in the drinking water in four out of 20 homes tested in the area.
County Manager Aaron Church said officials asked more residents to volunteer for testing. Only seven residents agreed and one more home was found to have high levels of lead.
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Queen said she’s concerned about neighbors who have been drinking the water without knowing what’s in it.
The county said letters were sent last summer to everyone offering free, voluntary lead and copper testing and there were two virtual public hearings -- held via Zoom due to COVID-19 -- but few people attended.
Church believes the pandemic made it harder to communicate with people.
Queen said she never saw the notices or heard about the public hearings.
“I have just got a lot of things going on,” she said.
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Church told Channel 9 that the tainted water may only be a problem for people with older homes built with lead pipes, but they can’t be sure until more people get their water tested.
There was a virtual commissioners’ meeting about the issue on Thursday, where the board approved a plan to provide residents with a free Brita pitcher with two certified filters and a water testing kit. The pitchers are expected to arrive at homes no later than Feb. 15. Those who volunteer to get their water tested for free will get a $72 rebate on their bill.
“We thank our customers on the NEWS system for their patience as we continue to work toward a permanent solution that is in the best interest of public health,” said Church. “We need our customers assistance by participating in our testing program. This will assist in determining the best long-term solution.”
Rowan County said residents can reduce their consumption of lead by doing the following:
- Have water tested. Take part in FREE testing program.
- Let cold water run at the faucet for at least three minutes before using it for drinking or cooking
- Use only cold water. Hot water has the potential to absorb more lead from the piping. Heating or boiling water does NOT remove lead from drinking water
- Regularly clean faucet aerators. Lead particles can collect in aerators
- Properly use the Brita water pitcher and certified filter provided by Rowan County
Learn more about the county’s Brita distribution and lead and copper testing program here.
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