Lead and Copper Rule

What Is the Lead and Copper Rule?

The Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation designed to protect public health by minimizing lead and copper levels in drinking water, which can leach from pipes and plumbing materials. Lead exposure, especially in children, can lead to serious health issues, including developmental delays and neurological damage. The LCR requires water systems to regularly test water at high-risk locations, implement corrosion control treatments, replace lead service lines when necessary, and inform the public of test results and any risks. For more information about the Lead and Copper Rule, visit Lead and Copper Rule | US EPA.

Why Are Lead and Copper Harmful?

Lead and copper in drinking water can pose serious health risks, especially for vulnerable groups like children, pregnant women, and those with certain health conditions. Lead exposure is particularly harmful to young children and infants. In adults, lead exposure has been linked to many issues. Copper, an essential nutrient in small amounts, can become toxic when levels are too high. You can find more information about the effects of lead and copper here.

Sources of Lead

Lead can be found in older homes and buildings, soil, dust, drinking water, and folk remedies. You can find more information on how to protect your family from sources of lead here.

How We Protect Our Customers

To comply with the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule and ensure safe drinking water, the City of Douglas follows a three-step approach required by the EPA. Here’s how we work to protect our community:

  1. Identifying and Inventorying Lead Service Lines: We maintain a detailed inventory of lead service lines in our community. This helps us monitor potential lead sources and prioritize areas needing attention.

  2. Implementing Corrosion Control Treatment: Corrosion control is crucial for reducing lead and copper leaching from pipes into drinking water. We aim to prevent metals from dissolving into the water supply by adjusting water chemistry.

  3. Monitoring Lead and Copper Levels: We conduct regular testing at customer taps to monitor lead and copper levels actively. If levels exceed EPA action thresholds, we take additional actions to lower risks, including lead service line replacement where necessary.

What Can Residents Do?

Residents can take simple steps to reduce lead and copper exposure in drinking water:

  1. Test Your Water: If you have a private well or live in an older home, arrange for water testing to check for lead and copper levels.
  2. Replace Lead Plumbing: If your home has lead service lines or pipes with lead solder, consider replacing them to reduce long-term exposure.
  3. Flush Your Taps: Run cold water for 1–2 minutes before drinking or cooking, especially if the water has been sitting in pipes for several hours. This helps clear any accumulated lead or copper.
  4. Use Cold Water for Consumption: Only use cold water for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula, as hot water is more likely to leach metals from pipes.
  5. Install a Certified Filter: Consider using a water filter certified to remove lead.

More information can be found at: LCRI Questions and Answers | US EPA

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are copper pipes safe to have?
    • Copper pipes are generally safe, but if water is corrosive, small amounts of copper may leach into it. Additional testing and filtration may be beneficial for homes with high copper content or people with copper sensitivity.
  • Is the leaching of lead and copper only from lead pipes?
    • No, lead can also leach from fixtures, brass fittings, and solder, while copper can leach from copper pipes. Proper water treatment and routine testing help control this.
  • Did I get a letter because my water system is contaminated?
    • Not necessarily. You received a letter because regulations require us to notify residents when certain conditions are met, not always due to contamination. The letter ensures you’re informed and can take any recommended steps.

What Will Happen Next?

As part of our commitment to ensuring safe drinking water, our team will contact residents about water quality testing at selected homes. This testing is essential for monitoring lead and copper levels at customer taps and helps us determine if additional actions are necessary.

If your home is selected for testing, you can expect to hear from a city representative who will guide you through the process and answer any questions. We may recommend further steps based on the test results, such as implementing additional corrosion control measures or replacing any lead service lines.

We will keep you informed at each stage and post updates on this page. We are committed to transparency and safety throughout this process and appreciate your cooperation in helping us provide safe drinking water to our community.

Resources and More Information