A failed attempt to replace old lead pipes and bring lead free water to over 15,000 homes in the Washington, D.C. area has left the city scrambling for their water filters as The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority have reported the water running through these old pipes are contaminated with dangerous levels of lead.

Plans to replace these pipes were carried out only in select areas and after testing out the replacement pipes, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported its findings to the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority stating that these replacement pipes were not solving the problem.

Water contaminated with dangerous levels of lead is particularly harmful to children and to women who are nursing or who are pregnant. The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority is offering complimentary service to test water in residents homes and are suggesting all residents who haven?t replaced pipes to do so.

Water filtration systems are strongly suggested in addition to the replacing pipes. Residents who live within the Washington D.C. area who are renting and/or who do not have the financial means to replace pipes are encouraged to contact the The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority. All residents, again especially homes with young children or nursing or pregnant women, are strongly encouraged to utilize external water filtration systems.