Enacted in June of 1991, the Lead and Copper Rule was designed to protect public health by minimizing lead and copper levels in drinking water, primarily by reducing corrosivity. Neilson Research Corporation provides complete analysis to assist public water systems in compliance with the rule.

Lead is a toxic metal that is harmful if inhaled or swallowed. Lead can be found in air, soil, dust, food, and water.

The Lead and Copper Rule has four basic requirements:

1. Require water suppliers to optimize their treatment system to control corrosion.
2. Determine tap water levels of lead and copper for customers who have lead service lines or lead-based solder in their plumbing system.
3. Rule out the source water as a source of significant lead levels.
4. Require the suppliers to educate their customers about lead. If action levels are exceeded, suggest actions they can take to reduce their exposure to lead through public notices and public education programs. If a water system continues to fail to meet the lead action level, it must begin replacing the lead service lines under its ownership.

To read the EPA quick reference guide for the Lead and Copper Rule, see: www.epa.gov/safewater/lcrmr/pdfs/qrg_lcmr_2004.pdf