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<p style="font-weight:bold; display: inline; line-height:150%; font-size: 115%;">P.O. BOX 6015 <br />COLUMBIA, MO 65205</p></div>
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<p style="font-size: 150%; font-weight: bold;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</p>
<p style="font-size: 120%; margin-top: -5px; font-weight:bold;">June 30, 2023</p>
<p style="float:right; font-weight:bold; margin-bottom: 25px; font-size: 100%; text-align:right;">CONTACT: Matt Nestor
<br />Public Information Specialist
<br />City of Columbia Utilities
<br />573.874.7307
<br />Matthew.Nestor@CoMo.gov</p>
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<div style="font-size: 110%; line-height:150%;"><h1 style="clear:both; margin-top: 75px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 130%;">City of Columbia Water & Light lead and copper testing results</h1>
<div class="content"><span style="padding-left: 50px;">(COLUMBIA, MO)</span> - City of Columbia Water & Light has received the results from the first round of required lead and copper water sampling for 2023. Results show that the City is in compliance with the lead and copper action levels established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).<br />Water & Light collected 100 samples that were tested by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR). All of the residences sampled were single-family homes or multi-family residences with known lead service lines, lead interior pipes or lead solder that joins copper pipes.<br />In accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act, utilities must ensure that water from the customer's tap does not exceed the action level for lead or copper in at least 90% of the homes sampled. The action level is the concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must foll
ow.<br />The EPA's action level for lead is 15 parts per billion (ppb). Of the 100 samples Water & Light submitted to MDNR in April and May, only two exceeded the action level. Ninety percent of the samples were at 2.64 ppb or below.<br />Of Water & Light's 100 samples:<br />
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<li>72 had no detectable lead.</li>
<li>26 had lead detected below the action level.</li>
<li>2 had lead that exceeded the action level.</li>
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Columbia Water & Light has worked with both customers whose results exceeded the action level to help identify potential causes within the homes that may have contributed to the elevated results. Water & Light collected additional samples as well as samples from a second location within these homes. It was determined from the additional samples that one home continued to exceed the action level. Appropriate measures the homeowner could take to lower lead levels were identified. These measures resulted in a sample below the action level. Everyone who participated has received a letter detailing the results of their analysis.<br />The EPA's action level for copper is 1,300 ppb. All 100 Water & Light samples tested below the action level.<br />Water & Light also performed analysis on 62 additional residences for customers who requested testing. None of the residences were above the action level.<br />Water & Light will begin collecting the second round of 100
samples for MDNR in September.<br />There is no detectable lead in the water the City provides to its customers. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. Historically, Water & Light has not seen elevated amounts of lead and copper in testing results from customers' homes because Columbia's water is very stable.<br />Customers who would like their water tested for lead and copper can contact <a style="white-space:nowrap" href="mailto:Deidra.McClendon@CoMo.gov">Deidra.McClendon@CoMo.gov</a> to request to have a sample tested.</div>
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<div style="margin-top: 15px; margin-bottom: 20px; text-align:center;"><p>City of Columbia Vision<br>
<em>Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.</em></p>
<p>City of Columbia Mission<br>
<em>To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.</em></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p>
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