SEBRING, Ohio - The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has conducted more tests of water in the Sebring water system.

OEPA Spokesman James Lee said, "The lead is not coming from the Sebring water treatment plant or the Mahoning River. The river is where the Sebring system gets it's water. The OEPA believes the traces of lead and copper are coming from smaller distribution lines and possibly old homes with lead pipes. We are working with Sebring water treatment plant to make adjustments to minimize leaching of lead into the water."

When doors opened at 8:00 a.m Saturday, folks who get their drinking water from Sebring drove to the Community Center for bottled water.

Sebring firefighters, police, some village workers, and volunteers from businesses hauled water to cars and trucks for people asking for water. Many of the 8,100 water customers who get their water from Sebring, are not taking chances.  

"I do a lot of cooking. I do it with a lot of water," said Kay Marshall.

Willie Richmond added, "I only have one kidney and I've had cancer three times and I have to watch what I'm drinking. I'm concerned about my wife too."

Over 70 pallets of water were distributed at the Sebring Community Center Friday and Saturday.

There are still 62 pallets of water left for distribution Sunday through Friday. The hours for pick up are from 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Mahoning Emergency Management Agency Director Dennis O'Hara said, "Our primary focus is to distribute this water to pregnant women, infants, and children. That is our primary focus. We are not going to turn anyone away but we want to make sure we are hitting our target population that is most at risk according to Centers for Disease Control Guidelines. The water is being supplied by the Ohio Department of Health, with coordination through the Ohio Emergency Management, Mahoning EMA, Mahoning Commissioners and the Village of Sebring."

 Residents in Sebring, Beloit, Smith Township and some families in Columbiana County, who depend on the village to meet their water needs hope this will soon be water under the bridge.

Harold Hall said, "I just hope it's something that can be resolved quick, that the problem maybe only effects a few homes and not the whole system." 

The District Board of Health will hold a screening clinic, where pregnant women, those who are breast-feeding, and children under the age of 6 can get their blood tested for high lead levels free of charge.

That clinic will be held Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the BL Miller School in Sebring.