News Flash

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lead and Copper Testing Kits Shipped to Northeast Water System (NEWS) Customers

SALISBURY, NC, February 5, 2021: Rowan County announced today that 120Water has shipped free Lead and Copper Testing Kits to approximately 160 customers on the Northeast Water System (NEWS) system.

This follows the recent shipment of approximately 160 water pitchers and filters to NEWS customers. These shipments follow the January 14, 2021 vote by the Rowan County Board of Commissioners to provide every active connection on the NEWS system with free Brita pitchers, filters, and testing kits. Barring mail delays, the Lead and Copper Testing Kits should arrive at NEWS customers’ homes or buildings no later than February 15, 2021.

The Board took action in the interests of fully protecting public health as Rowan County continues its work with the State of North Carolina and Virginia Tech University to determine the best, longterm treatment solution to the discovery of elevated levels of lead in drinking water in (4) four out of (20) twenty homes tested on the NEWS system.

The source of lead is limited to privately owned materials as determined by knowledge of the distribution system materials and inspections completed on (2) two of the (4) four homes exceeding the Action Level.

Included with the Lead and Copper Water Testing Kits is helpful information from Rowan County that provides answers to Frequently Asked Questions. A certified laboratory will conduct the lead and copper tests and the results will be shared with the customers. Included in the testing kits will be pre-paid delivery packets so customers can return their samples FREE of charge.

The testing program is the best way to ensure we choose the correct long-term solution that will reduce the levels of lead for years to come. To thank our customers for their help, Rowan County is offering a $72.00 credit on their water bill if they return a water sample following the enclosed instructions and using the pre-paid delivery packet.

Rowan County is taking these precautionary steps because lead can cause serious health problems. Customers can reduce their consumption of lead by doing the following:

• Properly use the Brita water pitcher and certified filters provided by Rowan County.
• Have their water tested. Take part in the FREE Rowan County Testing Program when your kit arrives.
• Let cold water run at the faucet for at least three minutes before using it for drinking or cooking.
• Use only cold water. Hot water has the potential to absorb more lead from the piping.  Heating or boiling water does NOT remove lead from drinking water.
• Regularly clean faucet aerators. Lead particles can collect in the aerators.

For more information on our Brita pitcher distribution, our Lead and Copper Testing Program, and other information about the current situation, we invite our customers to visit our website at www.rowancountync.gov/water.

For additional information please contact County Manager Aaron Church at 704-216-8180.

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