Thousands of Nyack residents and business owners have been notified after dangerously high levels of lead were detected in the drinking water. A water advisory is in effect for the Village of Nyack, South Nyack, Central Nyack and portions of West Nyack. Officials say routine testing at local homes and businesses detected elevated levels of lead. Health officials say too much lead exposure can cause serious health problems, including brain and kidney damage. Pregnant women and children under 6 are especially at risk. The advisory doesn't mean that local water is totally unusable. Water officials say the best way to reduce water exposure is to let the water run for a few seconds before using and to use cold water for drinking and cooking. Using filters or bottled water is advised when possible, and residents should consider replacing old plumbing fixtures in their homes, officials say.Water officials say the advisory could be in effect for as long as one year.Information from the Village of Nyack