Dangerous Levels of Lead and Arsenic Found in Austin Community’s Water

Austin, Texas, residents are being warned about possible issues with their drinking water, according to KXAN. Lead contamination has been identified following the release of recent research from the University of Texas.

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How Long Have Texans Gone Without Clean Water?

For several years, residents in parts of the Austin area have complained that their water is not only hard but also appears dirty when coming from faucets and showerheads. Now, concerns about potential health risks have many people feeling uneasy.

How Bad Is The Drinking Water?

A resident named Bianca Guerrero showed reporters jars and containers filled with dirty, disturbingly cloudy water that had been collected from homes in the area. Guerrero, who volunteers in an East Austin neighborhood, said she receives about four calls each week from fellow residents asking her to collect water samples. The water is used not only for drinking but also for cooking and baking.

How Many Reports Have Been Made About This Cloudy Water?

Guerrero said she has lived in Austin Colony since 2003 and that she and many other residents do not drink the water. According to the report, more than five water samples contained levels of lead and other metals that exceeded standards set by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Residents say they want safe, reliable water and quicker action to address the problem. For those living without confidence in the safety of their water supply, the situation remains a serious concern. What are Texans supposed to do?