New results show lead levels nearly 200x EPA guideline

Medford, Ore. — The Medford Water Commission has released another round of test results from homes connected to lead pigtails. One of the results showing lead levels nearly 200 times the EPA action level.

The latest results are from homes on Newtown and Hillcrest Road. They show results at 1,110 parts per billion and 2,890 parts per billion respectively. The EPA’s action level is 15 parts per billion.

Though high, water commission officials say the results may not show the full picture.

“We don’t know during the disturbance of digging that we disturbed it and loosened something that that may contribute to a higher level,” Operations Superintendent Ken Johnson says, “there’s just not enough information to

So far the commission has found 21 lead pigtails. There are 208 additional places they will check for lead.