There is no safe level of lead in drinking water, but a zero goal, though laudable, is at present an unattainable goal. The policing of lead in drinking water is generally in the hands of the local utility company until testing reveals lead levels higher than 15 ppb (parts per billion) in 10% of the samples collected in the distribution system. This means the action level for remedial action is 15 ppb. The frequency and number of samples collected is determined by the service population of the utility, history of analysis results, and the success of remedial measures, if they prove to be required. Remedial measures may be avoided by implementing some measures as ongoing treatment regimens, whether there is a problem or not. The chief remedial or preventive actions involve implementing and maintaining a corrosion control program to prevent leaching of regulated metals, such as lead and copper, into the product.
Did you know that sip of water you took from the faucet today was most likely regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)? Public drinking water systems regulated by the EPA provide water to 90 percent of Americans. Almost all public drinking water and wastewater discharges are regulated by the EPA. The EPA sets strict regulations on these discharges to ensure the safety of not only the environment but also the public health.
Drinking water, wastewater, remediation, landfill, land application operations, and other operations are intertwined with little formal association with one another. There are occasions that these operations will meet to discuss issues, but mostly, if everyone does their job professionally, the all will continue without issue. Professionals in this industry are one another’s keeper in the effort to protect public health and the environment.
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