Majority of home water tests in Sebring are below the lead limit

SEBRING

Recent water samples taken by the village of Sebring from homeowners, who asked to have their tap water tested, show lead levels in the vast majority of homes are below the federal allowable limit, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has announced.

Only nine of the 259 water samples collected since Jan. 21, tested above the federal allowable level of 15 parts per billion. Additional sample results are expected in the days ahead, the agency said in a news release.

The first batch of voluntary residential samples, for which results were announced Wednesday, which are part of the total of 259, showed all 54 samples tested below 15 ppb.

The Ohio EPA has been working with the village to fine-tune its water system chemistry to minimize leaching of lead into the water from corrosion of residential piping.

Ohio EPA Director Craig W. Butler and his staff recently met with Sebring officials to discuss short and long-term goals for the water system.

The Sebring water treatment plant and its water source, which is the headwaters of the Mahoning River, have no detectable lead.

Additionally, the Ohio EPA invited technical experts from the U.S. EPA to Sebring earlier this week to help the village’s consulting engineer make additional treatment adjustments to reduce corrosion in lead pipes of older homes.

The village is still required to provide bottled water or filtration systems to homes where results are over the federal allowable level and work with Mahoning County officials to provide health screening for residents.

The county health department recently conducted two blood lead level testing clinics in Sebring, where six of 209 people tested showed elevated lead levels.

Free bottled water distribution continues until noon today and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday for Sebring water system customers at the Sebring Community Center, 305 W. Texas Ave.

Village Council will meet at 7 p.m. Monday at village hall, with public comment periods at the beginning and end of the meeting.