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Ridgewood Water Warns Of Elevated Levels Of Lead In Drinking Water

RIDGEWOOD, N.J. — Ridgewood Water is warning Glen Rock, Ridgewood, Midland Park and Wyckoff residents that there are elevated levels of lead in drinking water.

Water may be discolored while Ridgewood Water conducts flushing of the system.

Water may be discolored while Ridgewood Water conducts flushing of the system.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

The discovery of elevated lead levels dates back to a June 2012 monitoring of buildings in the area. 

A notification that Ridgewood Water sent out to residents on Wednesday is a required follow-up by the Environmental Protection Agency.

RW Director Richard Calbi says the company is doing everything it can to remedy the problem.

"RW is making every effort to remediate for this contamination and is currently optimizing a treatment method to control lead corrosion in the piping of its water system."

In the interim, RW offers several methods to reduce levels of lead in your water:

  • Run water from the tap for about 15-30 seconds before using it for drinking or cooking anytime the tap has gone unused for more than six hours
  • Use cold water for cooking or preparing baby formula. Hot water can dissolve lead more quickly . If you need hot water, heat up cold water.
  • Do not boil water to remove lead. It does not work.
  • Look for alternative sources or treatment of water, such as bottled water or a water filtration system.
  • Be sure to get your children tested. Children tend to be a greater risk for lead exposure.

For more information on reducing lead exposure, visit the EPA website or call the National Lead Information Center at 800-424-LEAD. 

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