The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) released its final revised lead and copper rule on June 7, 1991. The more traditional regulating approach of setting a maximum contaminant level (MCL) as NPDWR was replaced with a treatment technique using the highest requirements for controlling the target contaminants. The new rule has more stringent criteria for lead in every respect, including source water control, tap water monitoring, and optimum treatment requirements.
24
Lead in drinking water has been regulated for decades. A non-enforceable drinking water standard for lead was first regulated by the US Public Health Service in 1925. In 1974, Congress passed the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), which requires US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish nationwide regulations on primary drinking water contaminants. In 1975, EPA was required to propose revised NPDWRs for both lead and copper under the mandate of SDWA amendment of 1986
25
The new amendments of the 1986 Safe Drinking Water Act also banned the use of materials containing lead in public water supplies and in house plumbing systems. The amendment requires the use of “lead-free” pipe solder, or flux in the installation or repair of public water systems or in any plumbing system providing water for human consumption. The term lead-free materials is defined as solder or flux with less than 0,2 percent lead, and pipe, faucet and fittings containing less than 8 percent lead
26
The final lead and copper rule was promulgated by U.S. EPA on June 7, 1991. The more traditional regulating approach of setting a maximum contaminant level (MCL) as NPDWR was replaced with a treatment technique of the highest requirements in the case of the lead and copper rule. This alternative approach was selected because of several special considerations, including: (1) lead and copper levels at consumer’s tap vary with time and locations, (2) lead and copper do not occur in significant amounts in source water but are introduced as a result of corrosion of plumbing materials; and (3) most lead source materials are privately owned and outside public system’s control. Actions levels (Als) for lead and copper are established in the rule. The action levels are exceeded if the level of contaminant in more than 10 percent of the targeted tap samples is greater than 0.015 mg’L for lead and 1.3 mg/L for copper. EPA are also required by SDWA to establish the Maximum Contamination Level Goals (MCLGs) at concentration levels at which not known or anticipated adverse effects would occur. A MCLG of zero for lead and 1.3 mg/L for copper were set by the new rule for optimal tap targets, however, it is not enforced
27
Under the lead and copper rule, public water systems are required to (1) implement new or improve existing corrosion control that would minimize lead and copper levels at the tap without causing violation any of other national primary drinking water regulation (i.e., optimal corrosion control); (2) install treatment, if necessary, to reduce lead and copper levels in source water entering the distribution system; (3) replace lead service lines contributing more than 0.015 mg/L of lead action level defined subsequently, and (4) conduct public education if lead levels are above the action level. Systems that can demonstrate lead and copper levels are already minimized would not required to install additional treatment
28
According to the Alliance to End Childhood Lead Poisoning (1995), the National governments set national policy; provide leadership and funding; build capacity and infrastructure; and set and enforce minimum program requirements. These national governments reach international agreements and supply information to international institutions, local governments, and NGOs. It is necessary that these national governments serve as the critical link for coordination of action and information exchanges between all stakeholders.