Contact: Samantha Mott
MottS@saccounty.net
Phone: 916-875-0973/Cell: 642-5508
County Managing Possible Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center Plumbing System Corrosion
Sacramento County Division of Public Health was informed by Environmental Management that the results of recent testing of the small water system at the Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center (RCCC) returned above the action level of 0.015 mg/L for lead and 1.3 mg/L for copper. Routine testing is performed every three years per protocols set by Federal Environmental Protection Agency and State Water Resources Control Board.
Prior to this round of routine testing, RCCC has had no previous lead/copper return above the action limit and though the levels exceeded the limit, the levels do not present an immediate health risk. It is out of an abundance of caution, however, that Public Health has advised the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department to provide drinking water that bypasses the facility's existing plumbing.
"Public Health is working closely with Environmental Management, the Sheriff's Department, and Water Resources to ensure the health and safety of inmates and staff," says Dr. Olivia Kasirye, Sacramento County Public Health Officer. "Though some test sites exceeded the action levels, we consider this low risk."
Children and pregnant or nursing mothers are most at risk for health issues related to lead exposure. Exposure to lead can result in delays in physical and mental development in infants and children. RCCC does not house juveniles or pregnant or nursing inmates.
Typically, lead enters water systems from the corrosion of pipes, plumbing components and plumbing fixtures.
A short term solution has been identified for supplying drinking water to the RCCC facility until a permanent solution is implemented.
* Attached: Frequently Asked Questions, general information regarding lead in water, and the public notice posted at RCCC.
** Topic experts will be available to answer questions on Monday.
