City says drinking water tests from wells and distribution are lead-free; six private apartment samples exceeded action levels

City wastewater/water staff briefed the Commission on Dec. 11 after a recent media story about lead in drinking water. The city said a lead-and-copper survey was conducted using 105 sampled locations selected via DEP protocol; 62 homeowner returns came back and six private samples (from apartments in two locations) exceeded action levels. Wastewater/water supervisor Sean told the commission those affected residents had already been contacted.

Sean emphasized that city testing of water from wells through distribution found no lead in the city water and that the city has moved to more frequent testing — every six months instead of every three years — and increased its corrosion-control treatment. "Your water is safe," he said, and recommended residents test private plumbing if concerned; the city offered to assist with interpretation of results.

City staff explained the sample sites had been established long ago by DEP and that some listed sites no longer correspond to current buildings, so the city intends to ask DEP to update sample locations to improve representativeness. The city also said it may be able to offer temporary filtration options such as pitcher filters and promised follow-up outreach and on-site checks on request.

The commission thanked staff for rapid outreach and asked for public education; the city announced a community session on Jan. 7 at the Jenkins Center (5–7 p.m.) to explain lead-and-copper testing, health impacts and mitigation options.

Next steps: city will continue biannual testing, pursue DEP coordination on sample sites, offer testing assistance to residents with elevated private-sample results and hold the Jan. 7 educational session.