In October, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced a new rule requiring public water systems to issue Tier 1 Public Notices (PN) immediately after a lead action level exceedance (ALE). The rule aims to improve communication between water systems and the public about the dangers of lead in drinking water, an issue that can seriously impact health at any age.
What Is a Lead Action Level?
A lead action level is a threshold used to measure how well a water system’s corrosion control treatment is working. To determine this, water systems test tap water in certain homes, particularly those with lead service lines. The EPA’s action level is 0.015 mg/L (15 parts per billion, or ppb). If 10% or more of the samples exceed this level, the system must take specific actions, including providing public education and replacing lead service lines.
Key Features of the Updated Rule
- Timing of Tier 1 Public Notices
Under the updated rule, water systems must issue a Tier 1 PN within 24 hours of learning about a lead ALE. Quick action is critical to protecting public health. In addition to notifying consumers, systems must:
- Work with their State to confirm the notice’s content and ensure all requirements are met.
- Provide copies of the notice to the State and the EPA.
- Submit a certification within 10 days confirming compliance with these requirements.
- What the Notice Must Include
The Tier 1 PN must clearly communicate key details, such as:
- What happened and when the ALE occurred.
- Health risks of lead exposure for infants, children, and adults.
- Steps consumers should take, like using alternative water sources or minimizing exposure.
- The system’s plan to resolve the issue and a timeline for when it expects the problem to be fixed.
- Contact information for the water system.
The notice must also include accessible language and provide accommodations for non-English-speaking residents to ensure everyone can understand the information.
- How to Deliver the Notice
Water systems must make sure the PN reaches everyone served. This can be done through broadcast media (radio or TV), public postings, hand-delivered notices, or other approved methods. Notices should be clear, easy to read, and prominently displayed.
Public Education Still Matters
In addition to the Tier 1 PN, public water systems must provide updated public education (PE) materials within 60 days after the monitoring period. These materials need to include revised health information, as outlined in the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR). By keeping the public informed, water systems can help people take proactive steps to reduce their risk of lead exposure.
How to Stay Prepared
The EPA recommends that water systems create a Tier 1 PN distribution plan and review it with their State ahead of the October 2024 deadline. Being proactive ensures water systems are ready to respond quickly and effectively if a lead ALE occurs.
How We Can Help
At Capital Strategic Solutions, we understand how challenging it can be to navigate complex regulations. Our team offers customized support, including grant writing, technical assistance, and compliance services. We can help your water system meet EPA standards by developing distribution plans, creating public education materials, securing funding for critical upgrades and conducting lead service line inventories for community water systems.
Visit www.capital-strategic-solutions.com or email [email protected] to learn more about how we can assist you. Together, we can ensure clean, safe drinking water for all.