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Small Systems Can Reduce Lead Health Dangers
Author(s) -
Pontius Frederick W.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
opflow
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1551-8701
pISSN - 0149-8029
DOI - 10.1002/j.1551-8701.1993.tb00315.x
Subject(s) - lead (geology) , water source , environmental science , lead exposure , risk analysis (engineering) , business , computer science , water resource management , telecommunications , geomorphology , geology , latency (audio)
This article outlines some requirements of the Lead and Copper Rule and provides background information on how lead is toxic, how it gets into drinking water, and guidelines set for levels of lead in blood. Drinking water can be a significant source of lead; typical drinking water contribution to total lead exposure for an average 2 year old is estimated by USEPA at 20 percent. As with all drinking water standards, the new Lead and Copper Rule sets minimum standards. Small systems should not be content to just comply with these minimum rules. Many systems can do better. Every small system can do three basic things to ensure their water has the lowest possible lead and copper levels: ensure that water delivered to the customer is not corrosive; eliminate and replace any lead‐containing material present in the distribution system; and inform consumers how to minimize or eliminate exposure to sources of lead under their control.