| Contaminant | In Water As | Maximum Contaminant Level |
| Lead (Pb) | Pb(OH)2, PbCO3 and Pb2O | US EPA: Action Level* = 0.015 mg/L MCLG** = 0.00 mg/L (or ppm) WHO† Guideline = 0.01 mg/L |
*Action Level requires water utilities to sample a specific number of samples in specific locations and verify that 90% of samples are below this level. If not met, appropriate action is required.
**Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) – The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety and are non-enforceable public health goals.
†WHO – World Health Organization
| Sources of Contaminant | Mostly lead service lines, lead containing solder, and brass fittings Industrial processes, mines, and smelting (not a direct source into water) |
| Potential Health Effects | Children are more at risk than adults Reduced intelligence, impaired hearing, and decreased growth in children Damage to the brain, kidneys, and bone marrow Damages nervous system and red blood cells |
| Treatment Methods Point-of-Entry Point-of-Use |
Reverse Osmosis Solid Block and Precoat Adsorption Filters Strong Acid Cation Exchange Distillation |
NOTE: Lead can exist in water in many forms, so more than one type of technology may be needed for adequate removal.
In the United States, the EPA has set the Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) for lead at zero. The action level for lead in drinking water is 15 ppb (15μg/L). Utilities must ensure water from customer taps does not exceed this level in 90% of homes sampled. In Canada, the regulated concentration of lead is 0.010 mg/L.
Amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act require the use of “lead-free” pipes, solder, and flux. Since January 2014, all plumbing systems must be lead-free, containing less than 0.25% lead.
This information is sourced from the Water Quality Association (WQA), of which WCC is a proud member. Complete reports are available via the links below. This material is shared with the objective of offering comprehensive, professional insights into relevant water quality standards and guidelines.
