What is the standard for lead in drinking water?

What is the standard for lead in drinking water?

• A. MCLG 0 mg/L and Action Level 0.15 mg/L
• B. MCLG 0 mg/L and Action Level 0.015 mg/L
• C. MCLG 1 mg/L and Action Level 0.015 mg/L
• D. MCLG 0 mg/L and Action Level 0.0015 mg/L

Answer: (B)

Lead in drinking water is regulated with a health-based goal and an enforceable action level. The goal (MCLG) is 0 mg/L, reflecting that any lead exposure is harmful. The enforceable trigger (Action Level) is 0.015 mg/L (15 µg/L, or 15 parts per billion). This combination is the standard because we aim for zero lead, but if lead concentrations exceed 0.015 mg/L in the distribution system, water systems must take corrective actions like adjusting corrosion control, public education, and other remediation. The option matching these values is the correct one. The other choices change either the health goal or the action level and don’t reflect the established standard.

Lead in drinking water is regulated with a health-based goal and an enforceable action level. The goal (MCLG) is 0 mg/L, reflecting that any lead exposure is harmful. The enforceable trigger (Action Level) is 0.015 mg/L (15 µg/L, or 15 parts per billion). This combination is the standard because we aim for zero lead, but if lead concentrations exceed 0.015 mg/L in the distribution system, water systems must take corrective actions like adjusting corrosion control, public education, and other remediation. The option matching these values is the correct one. The other choices change either the health goal or the action level and don’t reflect the established standard.