What did the sampling results show?

Right now, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) doesn’t have enough information to determine whether excavation is impacting lead levels in zones 2 and 3. However, EPA’s preliminary data shows that, before excavation, 18 homes had lead levels in tap water that exceeded the action level of 15 parts per billion. There is no safe level of lead exposure.

EPA has notified the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) and the City of East Chicago of these results. IDEM has been actively working with the City to optimize the dosage of the current corrosion control treatment. The treatment reduces lead leaching by forming a protective coating on the interior of the pipes, with the ultimate goal of reducing lead levels in your home.

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1. How does lead enter the drinking water?
2. Why did Environmental protection Agency sample drinking water in some homes in East Chicago?
3. Who owns the service lines that carry drinking water from the water main to my home?
4. What did the sampling results show?
5. How long should zone 2 and 3 residents who participated in the pilot use the water filter provided by Environmental Protection Agency?
6. I live in East Chicago but wasn’t part of the pilot study. I’m concerned about lead in my drinking water - what should I do?
7. Is the City of East Chicago in compliance with applicable drinking water standards for lead?
8. Why are there high lead levels if the City of East Chicago is in compliance with the Lead and Copper Rule?
9. Did the Environmental Protection Agency test for other metals?
10. Can water contaminated with lead hurt me or my children?
11. Is it safe for adults to shower or bathe with the water? Can babies be bathed in tap water?
12. Is it safe to wash dishes and do laundry with unfiltered water?
13. The Environmental Protection Agency provided a filter after excavation, but how do I know the filter is working?
14. Will whole house filters or reverse-osmosis filters work better?
15. How can I get my home’s drinking water tested for lead?
16. How can I check my home’s water pipes for lead?
17. Is this related to the USS Lead Superfund Site near my home?