What does the EPA Action Level for lead in drinking water mean?
EPA has established an Action Level for lead in drinking water of 15 ppb. The Action Level was not designed to measure health risks from water represented by individual samples. Rather, it is a statistical trigger value that if exceeded, may require additional types of treatment, public education, and possibly lead service line replacement. • How much is a part per billion? A part per billion (ppb) is a measure of concentration, the amount of one material contained in a larger amount of another material. To look at it differently, a pinch of salt in ten tons of potato chips or one drop of an impurity in 500 barrels (about 26,500 gallons) of water would represent a part per billion. • How do I know if I should be concerned about lead in my drinking water? The only way to know whether your tap water contains lead is to have it tested. Lead can normally not be seen, tasted, or smelled in drinking water. First, check with your water provider to find out what testing has been done in your a
EPA has established an Action Level for lead in drinking water of 15 ppb. The Action Level was not designed to measure health risks from water represented by individual samples. Rather, it is a statistical trigger value that if exceeded, may require additional types of treatment, public education, and possibly lead service line replacement.
