The Northampton Borough Municipal Authority (NBMA) would like to take this opportunity to address the recent media coverage regarding lead content in the drinking water at various schools in the Allentown and Bethlehem areas.
Since the inception of the Lead Copper rule in 1991, NBMA has never experienced a lead Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) violation. Following the protocols established by the EPA and PA DEP, the Authority is required to sample from 30 sites, once every 3 years, to test for lead and copper. Our next required sampling period is scheduled for this year between June 2025 and September 2025
The Authority also implements a corrosion control program, which entails feeding a corrosion inhibitor chemical that slows and suppresses corrosion in the distribution system and plumbing materials.
It is important to note that all samples are taken at the tap, and all samples are tested by a PA State Certified Independent Laboratory. Also, it is noteworthy that NBMA does not have jurisdiction over the installation, maintenance or condition of the sampling sites private plumbing and these conditions could affect sample results.
