Article Raises Concerns about Lead in Puerto Rico’s Drinking Water

Earlier this fall, WABE published the article, “Puerto Rico’s Tap Water Often Goes Untested, Raising Fears about Lead Contamination.” The piece highlights residents’ concerns over the health and safety of the water coming into their homes, schools and businesses.
 
The article states, “According to data reported by the island’s water systems between January 2015 and March 2018, 97 percent of Puerto Rico’s population is served by a local drinking water system with at least one recent violation of the Safe Drinking Water Act’s lead and copper testing requirements. That is far higher than any U.S. state.”
 
Lead is a toxic heavy metal that was used for many years in products found in and around homes and other buildings. Even at low levels, lead may cause a range of health effects that could include behavioral problems and learning disabilities, high blood pressure, kidney problems and other health issues. Although everyone is at risk of exposure to lead, children six years old and under are considered most at risk because this is when their brain is developing rapidly.
 
“Even if water leaves a treatment plant without elevated lead levels, lead can leach from old water service lines and plumbing fixtures,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “Nationwide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 20 percent or more of human exposure to lead may come from lead in drinking water. The agency also reports that homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes, fixtures and solder. The most common problem is with brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and fixtures which can leach significant amounts of lead into the water, especially hot water. This is significant as a 2017 Healthy Housing Fact Sheet from the National Center for Healthy Housing states that 54% of housing in Puerto Rico was built before 1978. A prohibition on lead in plumbing materials didn’t go into effect in the U.S. until eight years later.”
 
Helping residents, schools, institutions and businesses in Puerto Rico identify lead in drinking water or from exposure to lead-based paints and other sources are the environmental professionals at Zimmetry Environmental. If testing does identify a problem, there are steps that can be taken to eliminate or mitigate any exposure risks found. Zimmetry has also sponsored an educational video about lead hazards in drinking water to raise awareness of this important issue, it can be seen at: http://youtu.be/2kvtAcpw1MY 
 
To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their lead, indoor air quality, environmental, or compliance testing and consulting services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005 or email info@zimmetry.com .
 
About Zimmetry Environmental
Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals, and Fortune 500 companies.  The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America.  The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs, and general environmental consulting services.
 

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Paul Cochrane

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Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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