3 more samples of drinking water from homes in part of Rowan contain elevated levels of lead County leaders urging residents to participate in testing Rowan County urges homeowners to test drinking water By David Whisenant | March 1, 2021 at 3:05 PM EST - Updated March 1 at 6:30 PM ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. (WBTV) - Officials in Rowan County are now getting results back from drinking water that was being tested for the presence of lead and copper. The water being tested is from customers on the Northeast Water System (NEWS) in the Dukeville community off Long Ferry Road. “Out of the 40 there’s only been one exceedance on lead, that was early on and that customer was notified within the 24 hour period and had a follow up,” said Randy Cress with Rowan County.