Most affected properties were in or near Norwich, with clusters around the Heigham, Lakenham, Mancroft, Plumstead and Postwick areas.

The findings emerged following a freedom of information request to Anglian Water (AW) from this newspaper.

The company said it carried out 2,250 tests at properties across Norfolk in 2024, with 51 of them revealing more than 10 micrograms of lead per litre (µg/l).

Since 2013, all drinking water is required to contain less than 10µg/l of lead, which equates to 10 parts per billion.

The chemical has been linked to a range of health defects.

In children, exposure to lead can lead to lower IQ, behavioural problems and nerve damage. In adults, it may impair kidney, heart and circulatory health.

WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING IN NORWICH?

Tests revealed high levels of lead in water supplied to Anglian Water customers in Norfolk more than 50 times last year, the majority of them in Norwich (Image: Mike Page) Some 24 of the tests revealing high lead levels were in Lakenham, seven in Mancroft, six in Plumstead, six in Postwick and five in Heigham, along with a further three in King's Lynn.

AW said it had been carrying out a planned programme of work in areas of Norwich.

"This is where we are proactively targeting streets to replace lead communication pipes," it said.

"In addition to proactively replacing the........

© Norwich Evening News