819 Water Systems Have High Lead Levels : Health: The EPA says 30 million people may be at risk. Agency voices concern over continuing threat. None of the areas are in the Southland.

By RUDY ABRAMSON

May 12, 1993 12 AM PT

TIMES STAFF WRITER

WASHINGTON — Unacceptable amounts of lead have been detected in the public water supplies of 819 medium-sized and large American communities, which together serve 30 million people, the Environmental Protection Agency reported Tuesday.

The levels were monitored in residences in those areas deemed to be at high risk for lead contamination and do not represent average amounts for those water systems, the EPA cautioned. Nevertheless, agency officials said they were “very concerned” over the continuing threat of lead in water supplies, as well as in the air, soil and paint.

None of the listed communities are in Southern California.

Under federal regulations, when lead in public water exceeds 15 parts per billion, officials must take steps to control water pipe corrosion, teach the public how to minimize the hazard and continue monitoring the supply.

“The reduction of children’s exposure to lead is one of EPA’s top priorities,” EPA Administrator Carol Browner said. “While systems with elevated levels are required to reduce their lead levels through corrosion-control measures, there are also important steps that consumers can take to help prevent exposure and increase safety.”

Exposure to lead contamination is particularly damaging to infants and children--impairing hearing and eyesight and causing brain damage. It is estimated that one child in every six has elevated levels of lead in his or her blood. Although officials say the source of greatest concern is house paint, about 20% of cases are attributed to water supplies.

According to the study released Tuesday, lead levels as high as an astonishing 484 parts per billion were recorded at the U.S. Marine Corps’ Camp Lejeune at Hadnot Point, N.C.

For the most part, the excessive levels were found in systems in the East, which tend to be older and in which lead was used to seal pipe joints. But the survey--which reported for the first time on medium-sized systems and was a follow-up of an earlier study of large metropolitan areas--found 16 systems in California exceeding EPA standards.

The highest levels in the state were 51 parts per billion at the San Francisco International Airport and 43 at Vandenberg Air Force Base.

Systems in which levels ranged from 16 to 25 parts per billion were Palo Alto, Redwood City, the city of Mountain View, the city of Milpitas and the California Water Service at San Mateo.

Altogether, samples from about 7,500 water systems have been analyzed. But James Elder, director of the EPA’s office of ground water and drinking water, said 1,100 systems have failed to conduct required monitoring, leaving them liable for $5,000 federal fines.

Violation notices are being sent to the communities that have failed to comply, but the EPA officials said they could not provide the complete list.

Results of the initial survey of big city systems--those serving more than 50,000 customers--were made available last October. Since then, Elder said many already have begun efforts to reduce levels. But 427 violation notices have been sent, and 145 proposed or final administrative orders have been issued to systems failing to conduct the required monitoring.

In the initial survey of large systems, 100, serving 21 million people, yielded samples exceeding the EPA limit of 15 parts per billion.

EPA officials said mineral compounds can be injected into water systems to coat pipes and reduce the leaching of lead into the water stream. More drastic remedies include the replacement of lead pipes and lead soldering used to seal joints.

Consumers themselves can reduce exposure by allowing tap water to run until it is cold before drinking and by using cold water for cooking. Among the nation’s large water systems, EPA statistics showed the highest levels at Charleston, S.C., 165 parts per billion; Utica, N.Y., 160; Newton, Mass., 123; Columbia, S.C., 114; Medford, Mass., 113; Chicopee, Mass., 110; Yonkers, N.Y., 110; Waltham, Mass., 76; Brookline, Mass., 72; and Taylor, Mich, 69.

Medium-sized systems, serving communities from 3,301 to 50,000, revealed highest levels at Camp Lejeune, 484 ppb, Grosse Point Park, Mich., 324; Goose Creek, S.C., 257; Honesdale, Pa., 210; Mangum, Okla., 191; a second system at Camp Lejeune-New River, N.C., 189; Clewiston, Fla., 166; Stockton College in Pomona, N.J., 160; Marcy, N.Y., 160; and New Hartford, N.Y., 160.

Lead Levels Exceeded in California

Water systems in California that the Environmental Protection Agency has identified as exceeding the safe lead level of 15 parts per billion. Monitoring was conducted between July and December, 1992, at 7,500 large and medium public water systems. A survey of smaller systems is expected later this year:

SYSTEMS SERVING MORE THAN 50,000 PEOPLE

* California Water Service--San Mateo, 25 parts per billion

* City of Milpitas, 23

* City of Mountain View, 22

* Redwood City, 19

* Palo Alto, 16

SYSTEMS SERVING BETWEEN 3,300 AND 50,000 PEOPLE

* San Francisco International Airport, 51

* Vandenberg Air Force Base, 43

* Estero Mid, 41

* Hillsborough Water District, 33

* City of Belmont, 30