EPA Proposes All Lead Service Lines Be Replaced within a Decade

Late last year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a proposal to strengthen its Lead and Copper Rule that would require water systems across the country to replace lead service lines within 10 years. The agency is also proposing additional improvements to protect public health, such as lowering the lead action level and improving sampling protocols utilized by water systems.

The proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements are an advancement in protecting children and adults from the significant health effects that can be caused by lead in drinking water. Key provisions in the proposal include:

• Achieving 100% Lead Pipe Replacement within 10 years.
• Locating legacy lead pipes.
• Improving tap sampling.
• Lowering the Lead Action Level.
• Strengthening protections to reduce exposure.

According to the EPA announcement:

The science is clear: there is no safe level of lead exposure. In children, it can severely harm mental and physical development - slowing down learning and damaging the brain. In adults, lead can cause increased blood pressure, heart disease, decreased kidney function and cancer.

“While lead is rarely found in source water, it can enter the water supply as it comes in contact with plumbing materials that contain it,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “In most circumstances, lead enters tap water through the corrosion of these materials, which can include lead service lines. The heavy metal can also leach from lead pipes in homes or buildings, as well as from solder or from brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and fixtures, especially when hot water is involved.”

Exposure to lead has long been recognized as a health hazard, which is why the scientists at EMSL Analytical offer lead testing services from their network of laboratories located across North America. EMSL analyzes water, soil, air, dust, paint and bulk materials for lead and other heavy metals. They even offer an easy-to-use Drinking Water Test Kit that tests for lead and other common contaminants.

To learn more about lead or other environmental, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com . To access test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail