Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks“How often do you drink out of the tap?” Becker asked Julington Creek resident Peter Plumeri. “Rarely,” Plumeri said.The EPA said there are about 9.2 million lead pipes carry water into homes across the U.S., with more in Florida than any other state.
JEA took part in the EPA survey and told Becker in a statement, “84% of the system is lead-free; we are continuing to research the other 16%.” The utility added that high level results can occur if water sits in the line for an extended period of time and may enter the water from brass faucets and fittings inside homes. Prior to 2014, brass contained up to 8% lead. Since then, by federal law, brass fittings must now contain less than 0.25% lead.
Mayer says water gets into your home from the utilities main line to a service line. He says a connector called a gooseneck could be to blame for the number of lead pipes in the survey. “We’ve been looking into this issue for over a decade,” says Erik Olson who is the Senior Strategic Director for Health at the Environmental Group Natural Resources Defense Council.Olson says lead-laced water is usually associated with northern states like Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania.“Could a cynic say the numbers were reported in a way to draw more money in?,” Becker asked.