Survey shows Indiana water systems with lead service lines

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - A newspaper report says nearly 100,000 customers of Indiana's largest water systems have service lines made of lead or lead components.

The Indianapolis Star cites (http://indy.st/1OsWMBt) responses to an Indiana Department of Environmental Management survey it obtained through a public records request.

The newspaper analyzed 91 of Indiana's largest water systems showing an estimated 8 percent with lead or lead components in service lines. The statewide total could be much higher.

The highest percentage was over half of service lines in Decatur. Indianapolis' total was 23,000 led services lines, or about 6 percent.

The immediate threat to residents is unclear. Some systems registered below the federal benchmark in mandated tests.

A spokesman for Indiana American Water, which operates dozens of systems, says the company is working on programs to replace lines.

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Information from: The Indianapolis Star, http://www.indystar.com