[미국] 피츠버그, 물 속 납 함유 수준 여전히 높아

두 번째 테스트에서 피츠버그(Pittsburgh) 지역 물의 납 함유 수준이 EPA의 기준치를 초과했다. 이에 따라 피츠버그 상하수도 공사는 식수 시스템에서 납 파이프를 확인하고 교체하는 프로세스를 가속화할 계획이다.

PWSA에 따르면 지난 12월 149개 가정을 조사한 결과, 30개 주택에 EPA 기준치인 15ppb를 초과하는 납 함유 수준을 보인 것으로 나타났다. 12월 평균치는 18ppb로 6월의 22ppb보다 약간 낮다.

스퀴럴힐(Squirrel Hill)의 몇몇 주민들은 피츠버그의 한 언론사에 물에 대한 우려를 나타내기도 했다.

PWSA의 이사 Bernie Lindstrom은 “문제가 되는 파이프를 찾기 위해 지하 카메라를 사용하고 있으며, PWSA는 개인 주택의 납 파이프를 교체하는 데 드는 비용을 지원하기 위해 자금을 모색하고 있다”고 밝혔다.

[원문보기]

Pittsburgh water still testing high for lead

The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority is trying to speed up the process of identifying and replacing lead pipes in its drinking water system after a second test showed levels exceeding EPA guidelines for safe water.

The PWSA said tests from 149 homes in December showed 30 of the houses had lead levels over 15 parts per billion, which is the EPA's threshold. Any amount above that threshold requires agencies to take action. The December average was 18 ppb, slightly lower than June results of 22 ppb.

Several residents of Squirrel Hill told Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 they have concerns about their water. Lisa Lurie shared test results that showed her water was over the limit at 16.8 ppb.

"I think everybody needs to be concerned about the ramifications of what lead in the water can do to yourself, to your children, to your families. It’s very concerning,” Lurie said.

PWSA executive director Bernie Lindstrom said that after receiving the June results, the agency has isbeen combing through old records and using underground cameras to locate more problematic pipes. They estimate that 14,000 homes may be affected.

"What we’re doing is accelerating the rate of replacement of lead lines, which we used to replace as we went about replacing broken pipes, to now it’s an active program where we’re finding the lead lines and removing them,” Lindstrom said.

The PWSA offers free lead tests for anyone in its service area who’s concerned about their levels. If those tests show they are over the threshold, the agency recommends installing an NSF certified filter and “flushing” your system by running it for at least one minute before drinking from the tap.

Lindstrom said PWSA is also trying to find funding to help homeowners pay for replacing lead pipes on private property.

"A low-interest loan is something that has been considered, and is being highly considered, and probably will be put into place,” Lindstrom said.

[출처 = NSF International / 2017년 1월 20일]