Two homes have lead above acceptable levels in Columbia water testing

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Samples from two homes had elevated lead levels in the first round of lead and copper water testing done by Columbia Water and Light in 2023, the utility said Friday.

Water and Light collected 100 samples that were tested by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The samples came from single-family homes or apartments with known lead lines, pipes or solder, Water and Light said in a news release.

Two samples exceeded the EPA's action levels of 15 parts per billion, according to the city. Most were well below that level. Federal law requires that 90% of homes sampled have levels below the action level.

Of the 100 samples, 72 had no detectable lead and 26 had lead below the action level, the city said. All 100 samples tested below the action level for copper.

The utility says it also tested 62 additional homes at the residents' request and none of them had elevated levels of lead or copper.

The next round of testing starts in September.

The city's testing program came under scrutiny earlier this year after Water and Light revealed it had failed to collect test samples in accordance with the law.

Those who would like their home tested can email Deidra.McClendon@CoMo.gov.