Residents concerned over lead found in Fallston drinking water

FALLSTON, Md. - The manicured lawns and newer model homes of Grafton Ridge in Fallston is why about 45 families call the Harford County development home.

But underground, the picture is far from perfect.

"The lead, you don't know what it can cause and what it can do."

George Evans owns one of the homes that, so far has shown concerning levels of lead in the drinking water.

Levels above what the EPA deems as acceptable; levels that over time, could affect young children, a cause for much concern in this community full of young families.

"The lead is coming from somewhere. Is it coming from the ground, which we kind of think. We want to know what's going on and the community is upset," said Evans.

"I can understand the concerns in the community and the health department doesn't take this lightly."

So much so Susan Kelly of the Harford County Health Department has told residents to get their children under the age of ten tested for lead.

The levels were detected more than a month ago, but there is no way of telling just how long the levels have been that high or where in the contamination is coming from.

"It's a concern for them, I know it's a frustration and it's a frustration for us. Because we have some well information but we haven't been able to pinpoint the source but with additional test results we're hoping we will be able to narrow it down," said Kelly.

Those test results could take a bit more time.

Meanwhile residents are being asked to use bottled water and get tested.

We contacted the builder, Richmond American for comment on this story but have yet to hear back but the county says they have been cooperative and have supplied the bottled water for the residents.

The county says it is rare to find lead in drinking water, especially in newer homes.