Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, August 26, 1993                   TAG: 9308260169
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: MICHAEL STOWE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG                                LENGTH: Short

MONTGOMERY SAMPLES SHOW SOME HOMES HAVE TOO MUCH LEAD IN WATER

The water authority tested tap water in 60 homes in Blacksburg and Christiansburg and found six that had lead samples exceeding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommended amount.

Jerry Higgins, manager of the water authority, said lead enters drinking water primarily through household plumbing in homes that contain brass fixtures or lead solder to join copper pipes.

All of the homes sampled fell into that high-risk category, he said, and most of the homes still had very low lead levels.

Overexposure to lead can cause health problems including damage to the brain, red blood cells and kidneys, but local officials said drinking water is rarely the cause of lead poisoning.

"This isn't cause to panic," said Adele Schirmer, Blacksburg's director of public works.

In accordance with the EPA, both Blacksburg and Christiansburg have kicked off a public education campaign to tell citizens how to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water.

An informational brochure is being sent to all residents in Blacksburg and Christiansburg with their next water bill.

Here are a couple of tips that are included:

If the water faucet has gone unused for more than six hours, let the water run from the tap for about 30 seconds before using it.

Don't cook or drink with hot water because it can dissolve lead quicker than cold water.