Q: What did the EPA consider before requiring water systems include lead info.?

Because exposure to lead can be a localized phenomenon, the rule was revised based on concerns that some exposure to lead may be taking place, even in some systems where the action level is not...

Because exposure to lead can be a localized phenomenon, the rule was revised based on concerns that some exposure to lead may be taking place, even in some systems where the action level is not exceeded. Before the public educational requirements, consumers may not have been receiving sufficient information on how to reduce their exposure to lead. Furthermore, in the situation where there has been a lead action level exceedance, public education materials were not delivered in a timely manner. Vulnerable populations could potentially drink water with high levels of lead before knowing of the risk. Previous versions of the LCR mandated that all water systems which detected lead above the action level in more than 5 percent of the homes sampled had to include a short informational notice about lead in their CCR. The 2007 revisions require that all CWSs provide information in their CCRs on lead in drinking water. This short statement will be educational in nature and help to ensure that all vulnerable populations or their caregivers receive information concerning how to reduce their exposure to lead in drinking water. The new language is intended to help consumers (1) understand the health effects associated with lead, (2) that lead levels can vary from home to home, and (3) that they can take steps to reduce their exposure, and to provide them with a source for further information (72 FR 57782, 57794; October 10, 2007).