Is there any law or regulation controlling lead in drinking water?
Yes. The National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR) for Lead and Copper, 40 CFR Parts 141 and 142, promulgated in 1991, established an action level of 15 parts per billion (ppb) for lead in drinking water. Public water systems are required to optimize corrosion control. Public water systems exceeding the lead action level are also triggered into other requirements including public education, and, if appropriate, source water treatment and/or lead service line replacement. In addition, lead in plumbing materials is addressed in the Lead Ban provisions in Section 1417 of the SDWA. 2. How does the Lead Ban limit lead in pipe, plumbing fittings, fixtures, faucets, solder and flux? Section 1417(a)(1) of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) requires that only “lead free” pipe, solder or flux may be used in the installation or repair of (1) Public Water Systems, or (2) any plumbing in a residential or non-residential facility providing water for human consumption. In addition, section
