AWWA JAW72860

Lead in water is often assumed to be a problem in older buildings, not in new construction if appropriate plumbing standards have been followed. Exhaustive sampling by researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill shows that this is not the case, even for devices that have passed the relevant NSF International 61 standard. The lead-in-water problem can be mitigated by enhanced commissioning procedures for the new brass before occupancy, but more drastic measures such as replacing inline valves may be needed. With existing plumbing materials and codes, it is not possible to put forth protocols and standards that guarantee compliance with the 15-µg/L U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) action limit or the 20-µg/L Lead Contamination Control Act guidance level in a newly installed tap. Increased awareness of the problem of lead in water from inline devices may lead utility managers to further refine their corrosion control regimen and the USEPA to revise the Lead and Copper Rule to better protect public health by considering potential problems in new construction.

Includes 25 references, tables, figures.