Lead

AWWA Resources on Lead in Drinking Water

lead

AWWA members protect consumers against lead in drinking water. The Association continues to prepare helpful communications, technical and public policy resources. Selected resources are available from this single hub. Here you will find insights on corrosion control and other lead management issues, the latest legislative and regulatory developments, and public outreach tools to help you speak with consumers and other key stakeholders. Both resources prepared by AWWA's members and others such as the USEPA are available.

Related Resources:

Inorganic Contaminants

USEPA Proposes Long-Term Lead and Copper Rule 

The US Environmental Protection Agency on Oct. 10 proposed the Long-Term Lead and Copper Rule, development of which began shortly after completion of the 2007 LCR Short-Term Revisions. Comments will be accepted for 60 days after it is published in the Federal Register.

The highlighted themes of EPA’s proposal include:
  1. Lead service line replacement, requiring utilities replace the utility-owned portion of a lead service when a customer elects to replace the customer-owned portion of the line.
  2. Strengthening corrosion control treatment at a new “trigger level.” At a 10 ppb trigger level for the 90th percent sample, systems that currently treat for corrosion would be required to re-optimize existing treatment. Systems that do not currently treat for corrosion would be required to conduct a corrosion control study. The 15 ppb action level remains unchanged.
  3. Increasing sampling reliability by embedding current guidance in rule language and revising sample pool requirements.
  4. Improving risk communication, including requiring public notification within 24 hours if system exceeds the action level.
  5. Monitoring for lead in schools and childcare facilities, utilities will be required to test schools and child care facilities.


Communicating about Lead

Frequent and transparent communication is key to keeping our communities safe from lead in pipes and plumbing. A package of lead communication resources from AWWA can help utilities communicate with confidence by providing adaptable outreach documents, samples from colleagues across North America and off-the-shelf AWWA tools.

Access Lead Communication Resources

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Essential Resources

AWWA Policy Statements

AWWA's policy statements are brief statements on protecting and improving water supply, water quality, management, and the interests of the public and the environment. They are written by consensus, subject to review and comment by AWWA committees, councils, and members. Because they represent AWWA's position on these matters, they are approved by the AWWA Executive Committee of the board of directors.

Advocacy

AWWA members are recognized globally for their industry expertise and their generosity in sharing that expertise for a better world through better water. AWWA members participate in committee activities, developing conference programs, writing technical manuals, developing standards, creating educational content and contributing to AWWA publications. Committee members primarily interact through conference calls, emails, and face to face meetings at conferences and events. More information on volunteering for an AWWA committee.

The following committees are active in addressing lead issues:

 

Didn't find what you are looking for? Please contact us at research@awwa.org