Providence Water is Handing Out Water Filters to Some, But Won’t Answer Many Questions About Program

Providence Water is Handing Out Water Filters to Some, But Won’t Answer Many Questions About Program

Why are some Providence Water customers now getting home water filters?  The answer from the agency is confused at best and should raise concerns for parents whose homes have had their waterlines upgraded recently, but did not receive filters.

Over the past few years, Providence Water has been upgrading water lines through its delivery area.

Now, some are getting water filters and written warnings about lead exposure, but thousands of homes had upgrades -- and did not receive filter systems.

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GoLocal received a copy of the letter that some Providence Water customers have received in their door from the agency that states, “Lead can cause serious health problems if too much enters your body from drinking water or other sources. The greatest risk of exposure is to infants, young children, pregnant women, and adults with kidney problems or high blood pressure.”

“Removing the entire lead service line from the street water main to the water meter eliminates a potentially large source of lead, but does not guarantee the total elimination of lead,” states the letter.

Older homes pose the highest risk especially to children, As the RI Department of Health (RIDOH) states, "Lead can be found in many places around a home, such as in peeling and chipping lead paint, dust from lead paint, soil and dirt in the yard, tap water from lead pipes, and pottery, crystal, or ceramic dishes. The most prevalent exposure in Rhode Island comes from lead-based paint and paint dust found in residences built before 1978."

Tracking by RIDOH has seen a decrease in lead exposure in RI over the past few years. 

Other than the letter left at homes, there has been no public education program and there is no information on the website relating to the water filter program. 

 

Filters, Cost, and Effect

The filters being distributed to Providence Water Supply residents are an inexpensive system compared to what other cities are distributing.

“In order to minimize health concerns, Providence Water provides all properties undergoing lead service replacements with the free endorsed high-quality Dupont 8-cup Water Filter Pitcher (model no. WFPT200) along with a six-month supply of cartridges,” writes Providence Water in its letter.

“The enclosed Dupont model no. WFPTCO50 cartridges are certified by the National Sanitation Foundation to reduce lead in water ( NSF 53). We strongly recommend that you use this filter for the full 6 months when you use water for cooking or drinking. Information concerning the pitchers and how to purchase water filter cartridges in the future is on the attached “When and How to Use Water Filters” instructions,” says the letter.  The retail price of the Dupont filter is $12 to $17.

But in Flint, Michigan a community decimated by lead contamination, the state now provides a wide range of high capacity filters to residents, including faucet-mounted filters. The PUR Faucet Mount, model number FM-3700B that is one of three filters that is available to Flint residents retails for approximately $45.00.

The Flint program additionally offers how-to videos explaining “How to install a water filter” and “How to test your water.”

 

 

Providence Water’s Response

Providence Water seems unable to answer a number of questions about the program.

Providence Water couldn’t answer when the program started or if the agency believes that those who had waterlines replaced prior to the distribution are at an elevated risk.

“This is a standard communication that is distributed to all customers whose private or public lead service is being worked on or replaced,” according to a statement from Providence Water spokesman Chris Hunter.

“A temporary spike in lead levels can be caused by agitation during construction. Filters are distributed to assist customers to reduce lead at their tap during this 3-6 month time period,” wrote Hunter.

Providence Water would not answer when the filter program began -- and what those customers who did not receive filters need to know.