The Old Academy (Washington Academy #1) public water system found elevated levels of lead in drinking water in some taps/buildings. In June of 2026, samples showed the 90th percentile for lead in our system to be 0.22 ppm parts per million (ppm) and the action level is set at 0.15 ppm.

CAUTION: Lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Please read the information below to see what you can do to reduce lead in your drinking water.

The Old Academy (Washington Academy #1) Testing results show that our system exceeded the drinking water standard, or action level for copper.  The standard for copper is 1.3 parts per million (ppm). The concentration of copper in sampling conducted in June of 2026 was 1.9 ppm.

The copper exceedance is not an immediate risk.  If it had been, you would have been notified immediately.

HEALTH EFFECTS OF LEAD

Lead can cause serious health problems if too much enters your body from drinking water or other sources. It can cause damage to the brain and kidneys, and can interfere with the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen to all parts of your body. The greatest risk of lead exposure is to infants, young children, and pregnant women.

Scientists have linked the effects of lead on the brain with lowered IQ in children. Adults with kidney problems and high blood pressure can be affected by low levels of lead more than healthy adults. Lead is stored in the bones, and it can be released later in life. During pregnancy, the child receives lead from the mother's bones, which may affect brain development.

SOURCES OF LEAD

• Lead can be found in many places. Knowing where lead is can help limit your contact with it.

• Though most cases of lead poisoning in Maine were a result of lead paint dust, you can be exposed to lead through drinking and cooking with water that has lead.

• Lead can dissolve into water from lead solder or brass faucets, fittings, and valves.

• Lead can also come from jobs and hobbies that work with lead or lead paint as well as from things you buy such as toys and antiques.

STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM LEAD IN DRINKING WATER

1. Run the water for at least 15 seconds or until it becomes noticeably colder before using it for drinking or cooking. The longer water sits in piping the more lead it may contain.

2. Use cold water for drinking and cooking, as well as for preparing baby formula. Hot water dissolves lead more quickly than cold water.

3. Boiling the water does not reduce lead levels.

4. Consider using bottled water for drinking and cooking.

5. If you are concerned about lead, contact your health care provider or the Maine Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (866-292-3474). You can ask about having you or your child tested for lead.