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How much lead is in our water?

Work to replace lead pipes can cause a spike in lead levels, which wasn’t highlighted in information sent to residents.

NI Water says it will review information being sent to people in areas where lead pipes are being replaced.

Alison McMullan, Head of Drinking Water Regulation, told Â鶹ԼÅÄ Radio Ulster’s On Your Behalf programme that the water company accepts this work can cause an increase in the amount of lead in people’s water for a short time. Information is issued to residents ahead of work being carried out, but this didn’t refer to the potential increase.

Ms McMullan says NI Water will review what it tells residents.

Two listeners came to On Your Behalf after experiences with NI Water. Charlene asked for her water to be tested following building work and discovered lead levels around seven times above the regulatory limit. Emily contacted the programme when she found NI Water was replacing lead communication pipes in her street, but was worried that the information she was given didn’t refer to the risk of a spike in lead levels following the work.

We hear from Charlene and Emily, as well as Dr Tristan Sturm from the Lead Water Group at Queen’s University and Alison McMullan, NI Water’s Head of Drinking Water Regulation.

Release date:

Duration:

44 minutes