High Lead Levels Found in City's Water

Auburn, Maine, has detected higher than expected lead levels in some household plumbing around the city.

Routine testing of household water found more than double the amount detected three years ago. The test showed a spike of 23 parts per billion in 2015 in lead levels in some household plumbing fixtures.

The Environmental Protection Agency says the acceptable level of lead is 15 parts per billion or less.

Auburn Water District Superintendent Sid Hazelton attributed old pipes as the cause of elevated lead levels.

This year's high lead score will require more extensive testing, according to EPA rules. The water district will have to collect one-liter samples from 60 Auburn homes once between January and June 2016, and again between July 2016 and January 2017.