Laws & Regulations
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What is the water system doing about lead in drinking water?
Answer: In accordance with the Lead and Copper Rule, your water system is required to test water collected from a number of households in your community for levels of lead and copper. Depending upon the number of people served by your water system and the levels of lead and copper…
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The drinking water I receive from a public water system has an unfamiliar odor and a slight discoloration. I am concerned that this is an indication of lead in my drinking water. What can I do to determine if lead is in my drinking water?
Answer: You cannot see, taste, or smell lead in drinking water. To determine if lead is in your drinking water, contact your local water supplier and ask for a copy of your Consumer Confidence Report. This report lists the levels of contaminants that have been detected in the water, including…
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My neighbors got their water tested and found lead. Is my water safe?
Answer: Lead usually gets into drinking water through contact with plumbing materials such as lead pipes or lead solder, or faucets, valves, and fixtures made of brass (brass contains some lead). Since each home has different plumbing pipes and materials, test results are likely to be different for each home…
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Can I get my water tested for lead?
Answer: Homes may have internal plumbing materials containing lead. Since you cannot see, taste, or smell lead dissolved in water, testing is the only sure way of telling whether there are harmful quantities of lead in your drinking water. A list of certified laboratories are available from your state or…
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Will my filter remove lead?
Answer: Some filters can remove lead from drinking water. If you use a filter, be sure to get one that is tested and certified by an independent third party. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s directions to learn how to properly install and use your filter and when to replace…
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Why can’t I use hot water from the tap for drinking, cooking, or making baby formula?
Answer: Hot water dissolves lead more quickly than cold water and is therefore more likely to contain greater amounts of lead. Never use water from the hot water tap for drinking, cooking, or making baby formula. Question (23002-32380) Find a printable PDF copy of all frequent questions pertaining to lead…
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Does boiling water remove lead?
Answer: No, boiling water does not remove lead. Question (23002-32378) Find a printable PDF copy of all frequent questions pertaining to lead .
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How can lead get into my drinking water?
Answer: Lead can enter drinking water when plumbing materials that contain lead corrode, especially where the water has high acidity or low mineral content that corrodes pipes and fixtures. The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes, faucets, and fixtures. In homes with lead pipes that…
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How can homeowners protect themselves and their families from exposure to lead dust if they plan on doing their own renovations?
The Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule does not impose requirements on homeowners performing renovations in their own homes. If you do decide to do a renovation yourself, it's very important to take precautions to protect you and your family from exposure to lead dust. EPA recommends that you follow…
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Can non-certified workers transport debris off site under the RRP Rule if they have had documented on-the-job training in this activity by the certified renovator?
Answer: Yes. The RRP Rule requires the certified renovator to regularly direct the work being performed by other individuals to ensure that the work practices are being followed, including ensuring that dust or debris does not spread beyond the work site. The certified renovator is responsible for providing training to…
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Can renovator training courses, both initial and refresher courses, be taught online or via distance learning?
Answer: The final Renovation, Repair and Painting regulation, like the abatement program, permits the use of alternative training techniques (e.g., video training, computer-based training) as a supplement to the hands-on skills assessment, or as a substitute for the lecture portion of the training course requirements outlined in § 745.225. In…
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Do I need to cover a closet door with plastic?
Answer: Yes, if the door is inside the work area. When containing the work area during an interior renovation, the firm must close windows and doors in the work area. Doors must be covered with plastic sheeting or other impermeable material. Question Number: 23002-15162 Find a printable PDF copy of…
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Can I get the Lead-Safe Certified Firm Logo file in different resolution or in black and white?
Answer: Yes, please submit your request through our contact us page . Question Number: 23002-14639 Find a printable PDF copy of all frequent questions pertaining to lead .
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Can contractors submit their application to EPA before they complete required training, or must the application be submitted after the training is complete? Is proof of training required by the EPA in order for the contractor's application to be approved?
Answer: The firm certification process does not include the submission of renovator training credentials, so a firm can apply for certification before completing required training. As part of the application, the firm is required to certify it will comply with the requirements of the RRP Rule, including ensuring that all…
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Can I change the colors of the Lead-Safe Certified Firm Logo to match my company's current materials?
Answer: No, the Lead-Safe Certified Firm Logo may only be presented in Pantone 362C (green) and Pantone 660C (blue), or in black and white. Question Number: 23002-14618 Find a printable PDF copy of all frequent questions pertaining to lead .
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Can I receive an .eps, .ai, .ait or modifiable format of the Lead-Safe Certified Firm Logo?
Answer: No, EPA will only send formats that cannot be manipulated (i. e. .bmp, .pdf, .tif etc.) Question Number: 23002-14652 Find a printable PDF copy of all frequent questions pertaining to lead .
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How can a firm comply with the pre-renovation education requirements if the owner desires that the renovation begin immediately?
Answer: If the renovation is taking place in an owner-occupied dwelling unit, a firm must simply provide the owner with a copy of the pamphlet, and either (1) obtain, from the owner, a written acknowledgement that the owner has received the pamphlet, or (2) obtain a certificate of mailing at…
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Can notices for multi-family housing common area renovations be delivered to the mailboxes of dwelling units, or only to the actual units themselves?
Answer: Should a firm decide to comply with the pre-renovation education requirements by hand delivering or mailing “Renovate Right” pamphlets and notices, they may do so either through delivery of the notices directly to tenant units or through delivery to tenant mailboxes. If mailbox delivery is used, both hand delivery…
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I am planning on sending the pamphlet via certificate of mailing to a tenant who occupies a unit scheduled to be renovated. Does the tenant’s name need to be addressed on the mailing, or is it acceptable to address the envelope to Attn: Tenant/Occupant?
Answer: The tenant’s name and address must be indicated on the mailing. The RRP Rule requires a renovator to provide the “Renovate Right” pamphlet to an adult in each unit. Therefore, the name and address of an adult occupant in each unit must be indicated on the mailing. The renovator…
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How should lead-containing wastes from RRP renovations be handled and disposed?
While at the work site, wastes must be collected at the conclusion of each work day and at the conclusion of the renovation and stored under containment, in an enclosure, or behind a barrier that prevents release of dust and debris out of the work area and prevents access to…