AWWA JAW72860

Lead in water is often assumed to be aproblem in older buildings, not in new constructionif appropriate plumbing standardshave been followed. Exhaustive sampling byresearchers from the University of NorthCarolina at Chapel Hill shows that this isnot the case, even for devices that havepassed the relevant NSF International 61standard. The lead-in-water problem can bemitigated by enhanced commissioning proceduresfor the new brass before occupancy,but more drastic measures such as replacinginline valves may be needed.With existing plumbing materials andcodes, it is not possible to put forth protocolsand standards that guarantee compliance withthe 15-g/L U.S. Environmental ProtectionAgency (USEPA) action limit or the 20-g/LLead Contamination Control Act guidancelevel in a newly installed tap. Increased awarenessof the problem of lead in water frominline devices may lead utility managers tofurther refine their corrosion control regimenand the USEPA to revise the Lead and CopperRule to better protect public health by consideringpotential problems in new construction.Includes 25 references, tables, figures.



Keywords: Lead; Standards; Construction; Public Health; Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Compliance; Copper; Federal Regulations; Valves; Corrosion Control