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. 2021 Nov-Dec;27(6):567-576.
doi: 10.1097/PHH.0000000000001255.

Predictors of Water Lead Levels in Drinking Water of Homes With Domestic Wells in 3 Illinois Counties

Sarah D Geiger  1 , Jonathan Bressler, Walton Kelly, David E Jacobs, Saria S Awadalla, Bart Hagston, Uche Onwuta, Carey Panier, Samuel Dorevitch
Affiliations

Predictors of Water Lead Levels in Drinking Water of Homes With Domestic Wells in 3 Illinois Counties

Sarah D Geiger et al. J Public Health Manag Pract. 2021 Nov-Dec.

Abstract

Context: Millions of US homes receive water from private wells, which are not required to be tested for lead (Pb). An approach to prioritizing high-risk homes for water lead level (WLL) testing may help focus outreach and screening efforts, while reducing the testing of homes at low risk.

Objective: To (1) characterize distribution of WLLs and corrosivity in tap water of homes with private residential wells, and (2) develop and evaluate a screening strategy for predicting Pb detection within a home.

Design: Cross-sectional.

Setting: Three Illinois counties: Kane (northern), Peoria (central), and Jackson (southern).

Participants: 151 private well users from 3 Illinois counties.

Intervention: Water samples were analyzed for WLL and corrosivity.

Main outcome measures: (1) WLL and corrosivity, and (2) the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of a strategy for prioritizing homes for WLL testing.

Results: Pb was detected (>0.76 ppb) in tap water of 48.3% homes, and 3.3% exceeded 15 ppb, the US Environmental Protection Agency action level for community water systems. Compared with homes built in/after 1987 with relatively low corrosivity, older homes with more corrosive water were far more likely to contain measurable Pb (odds ratio = 11.07; 95% confidence interval, 3.47-35.31). The strategy for screening homes with private wells for WLL had a sensitivity of 88%, specificity of 42%, positive predictive value of 58%, and negative predictive value of 80%.

Conclusions: Pb in residential well water is widespread. The screening strategy for prioritizing homes with private wells for WLL testing is greater than 85% sensitive.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

FIGURE
FIGURE
Lead Concentrations in Stagnant (1st L), Flushed (7th L), and Well Samples in Follow-up Samplinga aExcept for 3 samples in Jackson County, Pb below detection level (<0.76 ppb) in all well samples.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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