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Local health organization to test Omaha tap water for lead

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Even though officials say Omaha's tap water has met federal standards for lead for years, a local health organization is planning to test tap water for lead in light of the widespread contamination in Flint, Michigan.

The Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance CEO Kara Eastman says the organization, in collaboration with the Metropolitan Utilities District, will begin sampling tap water for lead this month.

The district says the threshold for testing will be any home built before 1960.

The alliance, which grew out of a $309 million federal cleanup of lead-contaminated yards in Omaha, examines about 300 homes for environmental problems each year.

District spokeswoman Tracey Christensen says Omaha's tap water has consistently met federal drinking standards since testing began in 1992.

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