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Reserve Twp. Water Tests Show Lead Levels Above Federal Threshold

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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - There are some new questions about the quality of the water supplied by the PWSA.

Reserve Township is a small bedroom community nestled in the North Hills near the Pittsburgh city line. It's the latest to discover lead in the drinking water.

Tests at 35 sites found lead levels at 16.4 parts per billion, exceeding the EPA standard of 15 parts per billion.

Reserve buys its water from the PWSA.

"In my mind, it's sort of a confirmation that the levels are consistent throughout our system," PWSA interim director Robert Weimar said.

Weimar says Reserve has some responsibility for water throughout its system, but he says they are waiting for the state to approve the use of a chemical called orthophosphate.

"At some point, we need to get the chemical treatment improved and get lead levels down well below the standard," Weimar said.

Weimar says the chemical will help minimize the rate of installing new water lines. He says the goal is to replace many century-old water lines and lead service lines. In the meantime, customers in Reserve Township can take steps to protect their families.

Residents should flush their water systems in the morning when lead levels are at their highest and use filter systems.

"The filter systems would be used for water that you intend to use for drinking or cooking," Weimar said.

Homes built before 1986 run the highest risk of having lead pipes and fixtures. Anyone unsure if they have a lead service line can call and get someone from the township to come out and check their line and get a free testing kit.

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