PRESS RELEASE DRINKING WATER NOTICE

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT LEAD IN  the Town of Keysville DRINKING WATER

Recent drinking water quality monitoring conducted by  the Town of Keysville has found elevated levels of lead in drinking water in some homes/buildings in the Town limits .  Although the primary sources of lead exposure are lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust or soil, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 10 to 20 percent of a person’s potential exposure to lead may come from drinking water.

 The Town of Keysville is concerned about the health of their residents because lead can cause serious health problems if too much enters your body from drinking water or other sources, especially for pregnant women and children 6 years and younger.  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. 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.

 The Town has had some lead and copper exceedance in the past and additional sampling is being done along with review of treatment processes and operations alongside of VDH to ensure the issue will be corrected. We are also in the process of changing source water from the Town Reservoir back to wells being the primary source which will enhance the water quality being treated and the use of less chemicals to bring the water up to VDH standards and EPA regulations.

There are steps you can take to reduce your exposure to lead in your water:

     Run your water to flush out lead. Run water for 15-30 seconds or until it becomes cold or reaches a steady temperature before using it for drinking or cooking, if it hasn’t been used for several hours. This flushes lead-containing water from the pipes.

     Use cold water for cooking and preparing baby formula.

     Do not boil water to remove lead.  Boiling water will not reduce lead.

     Look for alternative drinking water sources or treatment of water.  You may want to consider purchasing bottled water or a water filter.

     Test your water for lead. Call us at 434 579 2564 to find out how to get your water tested for lead.

     Look for alternative drinking water sources or treatment of water. You may want to consider purchasing bottled water or a water filter.

     Get your child tested. Contact your local health department or healthcare provider to find out how you can get your child tested for lead if you are concerned about exposure.

      Identify if your plumbing fixtures contain lead.

There are several actions that the Town of Keysville are taking to address this lead in drinking water concern.  “We the Town are in review of treatment operations and enhancements along with further testing to ensure the water quality meets standards set by regulatory boards.” (Mayor Steven Morris)

Call  the Town of Keysville at  434 579 2564 or the Town’s website to find out how to get your water tested for lead or for more information on steps  the Town of Keysville is taking to address the lead action level exceedance. For more information on reducing lead exposure around your home/building and the health effects of lead, visit EPA’s Web site at www.epa.gov/lead or contact your health care provider.

With the joint efforts of many and with the sponsorship of the Keysville's Garden Club, Ruritan Club and the Town of Keysville. there will  be a Christmas decorating contest for both residential and commercial categories.  Prizes will include winner ribbons and cash prizes. 

 Please click here for Entry Form and Rules.

Town of Keysville

Christmas Parade

“It is with heavy hearts we announce that the Town of Keysville’s Annual Christmas Parade will not be held this year. For the safety of our volunteers, participants, and spectators due to COVID-19, we feel it is necessary to cancel this time-honored event for 2020. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. It is our wish that you and yours have a safe, healthy and happy holiday season!”

The Rebuild VA Grant Fund is a program to help small businesses and non-profits whose normal operations were disrupted by COVID-19, including restaurants, brick and mortar retail, exercise and fitness facilities, personal care and personal grooming services, entertainment and public amusement establishments, and campgrounds.

Businesses and non-profits that are approved for a Rebuild VA grant may receive up to 3 times their average monthly eligible expenses up to a maximum of $10,000. 

For more information, to see eligibility requirements, or to apply for this program, please visit this link: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/rebuildva/