Exposure to lead can be toxic to humans and animals. Children and pregnant woman have an increased risk of adverse health effects if exposed to lead.
In 1991, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) to protect public water consumers from exposure to lead and copper in drinking water. Plumbing materials are a primary source of these metals. The LCR sets limits on lead and copper concentrations in drinking water and requires water providers to monitor if levels get too high. The EPA recently revised the LCR to further reduce the risk of lead and copper exposure in municipal drinking water.
Water systems that have identified lead-containing or galvanized lines downstream of lead-containing services lines are being inventoried as part of the LCR revision (LCRR).
After the inventory is complete, water systems will provide a notification of service line material to persons serviced on those lines. The purpose of the notification is to provide awareness and education about service line material to water consumers.
Notification will occur within 30 days after completion of the initial inventory and be repeated annually until all LSLs have been replaced.
