(Washington, DC) Test results of water samples collected from early February to March 8, 2004 and released by the DC Water and Sewer Authority (WASA) today show lead levels that are measurably lower than last year’s test results. Approximately 73 percent of the "second draw" samples tested had water lead levels at or below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) action level of 15 parts per billion (ppb) after running the cold water faucet until there was a change in temperature.

The 1,752 samples were from a variety of service line materials. Of the 621 samples from homes with lead line service, 52 percent had results of 15 ppb or less in "second draw" samples, collected by customers after a noticeable change in water temperature.

"These results appear to support our primary focus on properties served by lead service lines," said Michael Marcotte, WASA deputy general manager and chief engineer. "Additionally, the overall trend in lead levels is encouraging."

In last year’s water lead testing, 33 percent of the 6,118 samples were below the EPA action level.

More than 90 percent of the total first draw and second draw from service line materials other than lead were below 15 ppb for first draw collections indicating that properties served by these service lines experience much lower levels of lead.

"First draw" results relate to faucet and nearby internal plumbing impact while "second draw" results are indicative of service line impact on water quality.

Approximately 3,000 additional sampling results are expected next week.

The chart showing these results is attached