The City of Fresno is getting the first round of results from expanded testing of discolored water in the northeastern part of the city. Dozens of homes have tested positive for high levels of lead.
Early test results of nearly 300 homes found 41 had fixtures that tested positive for levels of lead above the level considered safe set by the EPA.
Another 71 homes also had levels of lead, but they were below the EPA threshold.
Public Utilities Director Tommy Esqueda says expanded testing is giving the city a clearer picture of how many homes in Northeast Fresno are experiencing discolored or lead contaminated water.
“So I am trying to look at the positive side saying ‘90-plus% are performing well’. I have got somewhere between 5-and-10% that are having a reaction with the water,” Esqueda says.
Esqueda says just four kitchen sinks tested positive for elevated lead.
Kitchen faucets are important because that is where people commonly get their drinking water.
Esqueda says he is still confident the city can correct the problems but also says the testing and chemicals needed to treat the water could end up costing one million dollars or more.
