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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has begun a review of Syracuse's drinking water system following high lead levels reported in the first half of 2024. The review, which started Tuesday (April 22), is in collaboration with the New York State Department of Health and the Onondaga County Health Department. The aim is to ensure compliance with the lead and copper rule, as stated by Erin Clary, a spokesperson for the state DOH.
Last year, over 25% of homes tested in Syracuse showed lead levels above the national safety standard of 15 parts per billion. However, it was later discovered that improper testing procedures, such as sampling from outdoor hoses instead of indoor taps, may have skewed the results. Subsequent testing in the latter half of 2024 showed compliance with EPA standards, with 90th percentile results at 12 parts per billion.
The EPA's review includes inspections of water facilities, sampling, and audits of system records. The city has been asked to provide lead testing records dating back to 2021. The inspection will also assess Syracuse's emergency preparedness and infrastructure security. A report on the findings is expected within 60 to 90 days.
In response to the lead issue, Syracuse has accelerated its lead service line replacement program, aiming to replace over 3,000 lines within a year. The city plans to eliminate all 14,000 lead services in five years, half the time required by the EPA. Additionally, free water filters are being distributed to households with young children and other at-risk individuals.
The EPA inspection comes amid concerns from residents and organizations like the Natural Resources Defense Council, which compared Syracuse's situation to the Flint, Michigan, water crisis. Syracuse officials maintain that aside from the initial testing errors, the city's water is safe to drink.