Overview
- The Okeechobee Utility Authority tested 70 homes and buildings between June 26 and July 26 and found more than 10% of samples exceeded the EPA lead action level of 0.015 mg/L, with nine sites confirmed above that threshold.
- OUA and local health officials say the elevated lead appears to come from old plumbing, fixtures and service lines rather than from the utility’s source water.
- The Okeechobee County School District has stopped use of tap water at affected sites, is providing bottled water, and is testing school facilities while notifying parents and staff if tests return elevated results.
- OUA is offering water testing for residents and advising people to use certified lead filters, avoid using hot water for drinking or cooking, and seek blood lead testing for children through doctors or health departments; boiling water does not remove lead.
- Health experts warn there is no safe blood lead level for young children and officials will continue monitoring and follow-up sampling to determine whether contamination is in utility pipes or on private property and whether infrastructure replacement will be needed.