For Release: March 9, 2004
Contact: Peper Long 
202-673-0206
National Zoo Tests Water for Lead
Following the recent news reports about elevated lead levels in water in some District of Columbia homes, Smithsonian's National Zoo took steps in early February to sample water in the park. Water was tested throughout the park, including public drinking fountains and water sources for the Zoo's animals.
Test results indicated that all water samples were well below EPA's action level for water suppliers (15 ppb lead) with the exception of one drinking fountain at the Visitor Center in which lead levels were slightly elevated. As a precaution, the Zoo took this fountain out of service. We believe the higher reading at this drinking fountain might be the result of the lead solder used during installation.
The National Zoo will continue to monitor water lead levels within the park.
###
