Study: Pipe-corroding well water prevalent in half of states

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – A federal study shows half of U.S. states have a high percentage of wells with water corrosive enough to leach lead from pipes.

U.S. Geological Survey researchers said Wednesday their study was the largest yet of groundwater that supplies the 44 million Americans who use private wells.

Eleven East Coast states and the District of Columbia had the highest percentage of wells with corrosive water.

Another 14 states, including Oregon, Washington and Hawaii, had a slightly lower but still high percentage.

Geological Survey water quality chief Stephen Moulton says the findings underscore the importance of water testing for families on private wells.

The report is separate from the lead crisis in Flint, Michigan, where corrosion by treated river water drew attention to problems with drinking water leaching lead from pipes.