Denver Water warns residents of lead contamination

Denver Water is warning residents after tests showed one out of eight Denver homes with lead plumbing may be have dangerous levels of the toxic metal.

According to test results obtained by the Denver Post, it is the highest number of homes affected in 12 years.

Denver Water spokeswoman Stacy Chesney said Wednesday the city’s water supply is safe and the study sample was small.

Lead can cause brain and nerve damage, especially in children.

Colorado health officials say doctors are reporting high blood levels of lead in Denver and other counties around Colorado. This month, all 1.3 million metro residents served by Denver Water must be notified.

Precautions include letting faucets run a while to flush out lead and using a water filter.