ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, March 14, 1997 TAG: 9703140035
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
Drinking water in the Giles County community of Goldbond might contain too much lead.
APG Lime Corp. in Ripplemead supplies the water for 13 homes and its 130-employee limestone mine and production plant. Bob Shelor, production/environmental manager said tests on water from one of the 13 houses showed a higher than allowed amount of lead.
Higher amounts of lead can be caused by corrosion of lead pipes and other plumbing materials. Lead builds in the body and can cause damage to the brain, red blood cells and kidneys. Young children and pregnant women run the greatest risk. Lower levels of lead that are safe for adults still might damage growing bodies.
Residents can take the following steps to reduce lead:
Let cold water run for about 30 seconds before using it, especially if the water hasn't been used for six hours or longer. This gets rid of lead particles that might have settled.
Flush lead and other debris by removing the faucet strainers and running the water for up to five minutes, particularly if the plumbing is new or recently fixed.
Ask a plumber to check whether the service line or any of the plumbing contains lead.
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