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the highland park landmark | August 31, 2017 | 13
High lead levels found
in Highland Park
submitted by the city of
highland park
While the water flowing
from the taps in the
homes of Highland Park
is deemed safe-to-drink
and lead-free, some of the
antiquated plumbing in
many of the area’s businesses
may not be able to
say the same, according to
a press release from the
City of Highland Park.
Some older buildings
may have elevated lead
levels due to old plumbing
fixtures or distribution
pipes or other materials
that come in contact with
potable water.
The city’s water production
and distribution
system meets or exceeds
state and national standards
and falls within
United States and Illinois
Environmental Protection
Agency’s (EPA) levels for
safe use and consumption.
The EPA action level for
lead is 15 parts per billion,
at which point remedial
action is recommended.
Last month, City staff
collected 170 water samples
from city facilities,
including the Highland
Park Public Library.
Of 66 results received
thus far, one fixture located
at the library was
found to be unsatisfactory
according to EPA standards.
The specific fixture
not in compliance with
EPA standards is a sink,
which is not accessible
to the public, located in
the lower level tech services
area. The sink had a
lead concentration of 15.2
parts per billion.
The sink has been shut
down until the fixture is
replaced and tested to ensure
it meets or exceeds
safety standards. The testing
also revealed two additional
fountains in the Water
Treatment Plant pump
room that indicated a lead
concentration of 8.4 parts
per billion and 5.84 parts
per billion. Though these
results were within satisfactory
standards according
to the EPA, the city also
shut down both fountains
as a proactive measure.
The fixtures are being
repaired and will not
be available for use until
they are remediated. The
findings are isolated to
specific water dispensing
fixtures and are not systemic
problems with the
city’s water supply.
“Public safety is our
fundamental responsibility.
Lead exposure is a
serious threat to human
health, and children and
seniors are particularly at
risk. For these reasons,
I requested that all City
facilities be tested annually,”
Mayor Nancy Rotering
said.
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“To date, test results indicate
the water is safe to
drink at city hall, the senior
center, and all other
water fixtures at the Library
and Water Treatment
Plant.” City Manager
Ghida Neukirch said.
“Protocols have been and
will remain in place to
ensure water delivered to
homes, public facilities
and business is safe. The
city continuously monitors
the safety of the water
leaving the city’s water
plant. Public health and
safety are critical priorities.”
There is currently no
federal or state law requiring
the testing of drinking
water in municipal
buildings, but testing is
the best way for organizations
to know if there are
elevated levels of lead in
the drinking water and to
quickly eliminate any potential
problems. To date,
the city has taken samples
from 170 fixtures and has
four remaining fixtures to
test. Lab results take approximately
five weeks to
complete. All results are
posted on the city website
at cityhpil.com/leadwatertesting,
where more information
can be found.
Questions can be directed
to Water Plant Superintendent
Don Jensen
at djensen@cityhpil.com
or (847) 433-4355.
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