Lead & Copper Rule

Lead and copper enter drinking water primarily through the corrosion of plumbing materials that contain lead and copper. Exposure to lead can cause damage to the brain, red blood cells, and kidneys, particularly for young children and pregnant women. Likewise, exposure to copper can cause stomach and intestinal problems, liver and kidney damage, and complications for people genetically pre-disposed to Wilson's disease. 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s Lead and Copper Rule establishes an action level (AL) of 0.015 mg/L for Lead and 1.3 mg/L for copper. Results are calculated for each community water system and non-transient, non-community water system using the 90th percentile level of the collected tap water samples. An AL is not a violation, but may trigger water quality parameter (WQP) monitoring, corrosion control treatment (CCT), public education, and lead service line replacement (LSLR).

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