NEW RICHMOND, Ohio -- Recent test results show the New Richmond Robin Grays Public Water System has detected lead at levels above what is acceptable in the Robin Hill Drive and Grays Lane neighborhood.

One sample of five collected from Sept. 10 to 12 had lead levels that exceeded 15 micrograms per liter, according to a news release from the Village of New Richmond. When the 90th percentile for lead sample results is at 15 µg/L or above, the New Richmond Robin Grays PWS is triggered to take action to correct the excedance.

There are specific guidelines for drawing tap water samples for accurate and consistent testing. The New Richmond Robin Grays PWS is presently working to address the issue and is retesting lead levels.

Lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead typically enters the water primarily as a result of corrosion, or wearing away, of materials containing lead in the water distribution system and household plumbing.

There are steps the public can take to reduce their lead exposure, which include running the water for 30 seconds to two minutes, until it is noticeably colder before using it to flush out the lead and using only cold water to drink or prepare baby formula.

For more information on the health effects of lead, visit the U.S. EPA's website here.