Laws & Regulations
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Where can I get more information on lead in drinking water?
Answer: For more information, visit https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water or contact us online at https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/forms/online-form-epas-office-ground-water-and-drinking-water . You may also contact by email at safewater@epa.gov . Your state or local public health department will also be able to provide information about lead. Question (23002-32409) Find a printable PDF copy of all frequent questions pertaining…
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I am looking at a water report for my public water system. Under the contaminant heading for lead and copper there is a column heading titled 90th percentile. What does this column mean?
Answer: The Consumer Confidence Report must include the 90 th percentile concentration of the most recent round(s) of sampling for lead and copper. If the “90 th percentile” level is above the action level, this is called an action level exceedance. The action level is the concentration of a contaminant…
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Why do water systems add phosphate to drinking water? What are the health effects of drinking water containing phosphates?
Answer: Public water systems (PWSs) commonly add phosphates to drinking water to prevent the release of metals in drinking water. Orthophosphate is most commonly used for lead and copper control. Polyphosphates sequester iron and manganese to prevent discolored water but are not effective to control lead and copper. Blended phosphates…
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A water system is on reduced monitoring for lead and copper. If this system adds new or revised treatment, must the system resume lead and copper sampling as a new system?
Answer: The state may require a system to resume sampling and collect the number of samples specified for standard monitoring or take other appropriate steps such as increased water quality parameter monitoring or re-evaluation of its corrosion control treatment (40 CFR 141.86(d)(4)(vii)). Question (23002-32405) Find a printable PDF copy of…
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What are the public education requirements for non-transient, non-community water systems (NTNCWSs) that have exceeded the lead action level?
Answer: When there is a lead action level exceedance, non-transient, non-community water systems (NTNCWSs) must post informational posters on lead in drinking water in public places or common areas in buildings they serve. NTNCWSs must also distribute informational pamphlets and/or brochures on lead in drinking water to each person they…
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What do you mean when you say the action level has been exceeded for a drinking water system?
Answer: The lead action level is a measure of the effectiveness of the corrosion control treatment in water systems. The action level is not a standard for establishing a safe level of lead in a home. To check if corrosion control is working, EPA requires water systems to test for…
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Is there a guidance document that outlines sampling techniques for testing lead in public drinking water systems?
Answer: Sampling techniques for testing lead in drinking water are outlined in EPA's approved methods for compliance monitoring of lead in drinking water. In addition, EPA has several guidance documents associated with Lead and Copper Rule water quality and tap monitoring on our website here: https://www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/lead-and-copper-rule-implementation-tools#WQ . This guidance does…
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Are non-transient, non-community water systems (NTNCWSs) required to monitor for lead and copper?
Answer: All community water systems (CWSs) and NTNCWSs must collect lead and copper tap samples. The frequency of the monitoring and number of samples to be collected and analyzed is based primarily on the number of people served and tap water monitoring results. For an outline of monitoring requirements (e.g…
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Can one still sell lead solder under the Lead Ban?
Answer: Section 1417(a)(3) of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) prohibits the sale of solder and flux that is not lead-free unless the solder or flux bears a prominent label stating that it is illegal to use the solder or flux in the installation or repair of any plumbing providing…
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Is my water system required to provide me with the results when they test for lead?
Answer: Yes. Water systems must provide a water quality report (often referred to as consumer confidence report) every year to their consumers. This report must include the 90th percentile concentration of the most recent round(s) of sampling performed by the water system for lead and copper among households sampled by…
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How can I tell if my water contains lead?
Answer: To determine if your water has lead, have your water tested. Please see the answer to Question (23002-32382) for more information on testing. Since you cannot see, taste, or smell lead dissolved in water, testing is the only sure way of telling whether lead is present in your drinking…
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Is there anything else I can do beyond flushing my tap or buying bottled water?
Answer: Yes, find “Important Steps You Can Take to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water” if you are concerned about lead in their drinking water. The list is not intended to be exhaustive or to imply that all actions equally reduce lead from drinking water. EPA recommends you also contact your…
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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…