The Department of Environmental Protection Tuesday notified the public about a violation of the lead standard applicable to the drinking water sold at Crystal Spring Water, a company that sells water through vending machines in Adamstown, Berks County.

The Department’s notice does not apply to Crystal Spring Bottled Water, which is an unrelated company.

A routine test sample collected by the owner in September 2015 contained a lead level of 16 parts per billion (ppb) which is above the maximum contaminant level of 5 ppb.

According to the Safe Drinking Water Act, the owner of Crystal Spring should have notified DEP within 24 hours of receiving this test result and should have notified customers within 30 days.

Neither notification was given.

“If a public water supplier fails to give proper notice, DEP may perform this notification on its behalf,” said Lynn Langer, DEP Southcentral regional director. “Although this incident was not an emergency, customers have a right to know what happened regarding the elevated lead level.”

On March 8, DEP ordered Crystal Spring owner Lynn Rannels to take and report to the department two additional water samples before reopening his facility. Signs at Crystal Spring indicate the facility will be open weekends only beginning March 19.

In a Notice of Violation issued February 19, DEP asked Rannels to post a lead exceedance notice on his vending machines, and take and report the results of the two additional water samples. Rannels did not comply.

Infants and children who drink water containing lead in excess of the standard could experience delays in their physical or mental development. Adults who drink this water over many years could develop kidney problems or high blood pressure.

Customers with specific health concerns should speak with their doctors.

A copy of the public notice is available online.

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3/14/2016