816R08007
Implementing the
SodnmenetSal Protection
A9ency Provision of the Lead
and Copper Rule:
A Guide For Community Water Systems
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(Original Document: Lead in Drinking Water Regulation:
Public Education Guidance for Community Water Systems, EPA 816-R-02-010, June 2002)
(Revised Document: Implementing the Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR,
A Guide for Community Water Systems: EPA 816-R-08-007, June 2008)
Office of Water (4606M)
EPA816-R-08-007
June 2008
www.epa.gov/safewater
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
Table of Contents
Objective and Organization 1
Introduction 3
Section 1: PE Requirements/Developing Your PE Program Plan 5
Summary of Program Requirements 5
Required Content of Public Education Materials 8
Required Delivery Methods for Your Public Education Materials 9
Consumer Confidence Report Required Information 13
Developing Your Public Education Program Plan 14
Public Education Flow Chart 14
Section 2: Designing an Effective Public Education Program 16
Step 1: Know Your PE Requirements 16
Step 2: Know Your Audience 17
Sources of Information about your audience 18
Step 3: Contact Your Community Partners 19
Partnering with the public health community 19
Partnering with the media 20
Step 4: Prepare Your Messages 21
Step 5: Identify Communication Channels to Get Your Message Out 22
Step 6: Determine Your Outreach Material Needs 23
Step 7: Update Your PE Program Plan 24
Section 3: Implementing Your Public Education Program 25
Produce Your PE Materials 27
Printed Materials 27
Press Release or Media Notices 27
Material Templates 28
Additional Materials 28
Deliver Your PE Materials 29
Bill Inserts 29
Local Newspapers 29
Radio and Television Stations 29
Public Service Announcements 30
Conduct Media Outreach 30
Communicate Directly with the Public 31
Public Meetings 31
Conclude Your PE Activities at the End of the Exceedance 32
Conclusion 33
Appendix A: Frequently Asked Questions 35
Appendix B: Public Education Material Templates in English and Spanish 39
Checklist for Implementing Your PE Program 41
General Public Education Notice and List Serve/Email Announcement 43
Web Site Announcement 48
Public Service Announcement 49
Press Release 51
Water Bill Statement/Insert 55
Public Education Brochure 56
Public Education Poster 58
Consumer Notice of Tap Water Results 60
Appendix C: Contacts and Additional Resources 85
Appendix D: Lead and Copper Rule Public Education Requirements Federal Regulatory Language 95
Appendix E: Lead and Copper CWS Public Education Fact Sheet 102
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
Objective and Organization
This guidance document explains the revised requirements for a lead Public Education (PE) program,
describes a practical approach for successfully carrying out a PE program on lead in drinking water, and
continues to serve as a tool to assist water suppliers with conducting a community-based, PE program
on lead in drinking water. The approach described here is based on our National Primary Drinking
Water Regulations (NPDWRs) for lead and copper, practical experience gained from implementing the
PE requirements of the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR), and principles of good risk communication. This
guidance is not a rule, but is intended to explain EPA's PE rules and provide recommendations on "best
practice" approaches that systems might want to consider in complying with these rules. While compliance
with the PE rules is required, following the recommendations and tips is optional.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), first issued this guidance document in July 1992. Since that
time, EPA published minor revisions to the NPDWRs for lead and copper on January 12, 2000 (65 FR
1950). On October 10, 2007, EPA published an additional set of short-term revisions and clarifications
(72 FR 57782). These most recent changes to the LCR incorporate comments received from members of
the National Drinking Water Advisory Committee (NDWAC) Work Group on Public Education (WGPE),
water systems, utility organizations, and States. These groups have extensive experience implementing or
overseeing public education (PE) programs. The new rule requirements make changes to the content of the
messages provided to consumers, how the materials are delivered to consumers, and the timeframe in which
materials must be delivered. The rule changes still require water systems to deliver PE materials after a lead
action level exceedance. A summary of the revised PE requirements for community water systems (CWS) is
provided in Tables 1, 1A, 2, and 3 in Section 1.
Under the authority of the Safe Drinking Water Act, EPA set the action level for lead in drinking water at
15 ppb. This means utilities must determine whether water from the customer's tap exceeds this level in at
least 10 percent of the homes sampled (i.e. 90th percentile level). If the 90th percentile level does exceed
this limit, then the utility must take certain steps to correct the problem. One action a utility must take
following a lead action level exceedance is to conduct public education (no public education is required if
only the copper AL is exceeded).
For utilities seeking to quickly identify the basic public education requirements after a lead action level
exceedance, we have developed a five page fact sheet summarizing requirements (Appendix E).
Many systems have already developed PE programs, but we believe that systems, both large and small, will
find this document useful in understanding the modifications to the PE requirements resulting from the
most recent LCR changes and helping them to develop more effective PE programs.
The guidance manual is divided into the following sections:
> Introduction provides a discussion of the health effects of lead, a brief history of the LCR regulations,
and discusses the importance of conducting a thorough PE program that is grounded in strong risk
communication principles.
» Section I: PE Program Requirements summarizes requirements that water suppliers must meet
to comply with the Federal regulations and how the latest LCR rule changes have impacted these
requirements.
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
> Section II: Designing an Effective PE Program suggests practical steps a water system can take to plan a
PE program prior to an exceedance.
> Section III: Implementing Your PE Program discusses how a water system can implement their PE
requirements in the event of an exceedance; details tips for preparing materials needed to effectively
communicate with the public; and provides practical tips on working with the media and communicating
directly with the public.
This document contains five appendices:
> Appendix A: Frequently Asked Questions about Lead in Drinking Water
» Appendix B: PE Materials Templates
» Appendix C: Contacts/Additional Sources of Information
> Appendix D: Lead and Copper Rule Public Education RequirementsFederal Regulatory Language
> Appendix E: Lead and Copper CWS Public Education Fact Sheet
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
Introduction
Reducing lead in the environment is an important public health issue. Lead, a metal found in natural
deposits, is harmful to human health. The most common exposure to lead is swallowing or breathing in lead
paint chips and dust. However, lead in drinking water can also be a source of lead exposure. Lead is used in
some water service lines and household plumbing materials. Lead in water usually occurs through corrosion
of plumbing products containing lead. Lead can cause serious health problems if too much enters your
body from drinking water or other sources. It can cause damage to the brain and kidneys, and can interfere
with the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen to all parts of your body. The greatest risk of lead
exposure is to infants, young children, and pregnant women. Scientists have linked the effects of lead on the
brain with lowered IQ in children. Adults with kidney problems and high blood pressure can be affected by
low levels of lead more than healthy adults. Lead is stored in the bones and it can be released later in life.
During pregnancy, the child receives lead from the mother's bones, which may affect brain development.
EPA has taken a number of actions to limit our total exposure to lead, such as phasing out the use of lead in
gasoline and banning lead based paint. As a result of EPA's actions and those of other government agencies,
total exposure to lead is much lower today than in the late 1970s.
On June 7, 1991, EPA promulgated provisions to the maximum contaminant level goals (MCLGs) and
NPDWRs for controlling lead and copper in drinking water (56 FR 26460). We modified this rule with four
technical amendments that were published in the Federal Register on July 15, 1991 (56 FR 32113), June
29, 1992 (57 FR 28785), June 30, 1994 (59 FR 33860), and minor revisions to reduce the reporting burden
were published on January 12, 2000 (65 FR 1950). Beginning in 2004, EPA conducted a national review of
implementation of the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) to determine if there was a national problem related to
elevated lead levels in drinking water. Our review placed a focus on determining if the existing rule was being
effectively implemented by states and local communities and on identifying where additional guidance or
changes to the regulation were needed to improve implementation. During 2004, Congress held a number
of oversight hearings to further investigate implementation of the LCR in the District of Columbia and the
nation.
On October 10, 2007, EPA published the latest changes to the LCR. These revisions are intended to better
ensure that at-risk populations receive information quickly and are able to act to reduce their exposure. It is
EPA's belief that these changes will also help water systems to better comply with the PE requirements.
The LCR requires water suppliers to deliver water that is minimally corrosive, thereby reducing the
likelihood that lead and copper will be introduced into the drinking water from the corrosion of lead
and copper plumbing materials. In addition, it requires water suppliers to educate their customers about
specific measures that can be used to reduce lead levels in home drinking water caused by lead in household
plumbing materials the primary source of lead in drinking water.
The LCR specifies that a water system must conduct a PE program on lead in drinking water if, during a
monitoring period, more than 10 percent of the tap water samples collected in accordance with 40 CFR
§141.86 of the regulations (i.e., the 90th percentile lead level) exceed the EPA "action level" of 15 parts
per billion (ppb), or 0.015 milligrams of lead per liter of water (mg/L). Specific requirements regarding the
content and delivery of PE materials are contained in §141.85 of the regulation. Section 1 of this guidance
document details these requirements.
This guidance document presents practical steps and helpful tips for large and small systems to understand
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
their PE requirements under the LCR and to design and implement a community-based education program
on lead and drinking water that reaches all segments of the population. This guidance document provides
comprehensive information and includes required and suggested activities for conducting a successful PE
effort. Water systems should pay particular attention to Section 1 for the specific PE requirements in the
event of an exceedance. Keep in mind, water systems may already have in place a communications team or
infrastructure that your PE program efforts can build upon. The key to reducing the health risks associated
with lead in drinking water is communicating these risks with those who most need to hear this information
and in the manner in which they are used to receiving information. A good PE program equals good risk
communication.
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
Section 1
PE Requirements/Developing Your PE Program Plan
Conducting an effective Public Education (PE) program is essential if your system experiences a lead action
level exceedance. The Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) requires specific actions in the event of an exceedance
to inform the affected community about the risks associated with elevated lead levels (particularly to children
and expectant or nursing mothers), to provide information on what the water system is doing to address lead
in drinking water, and to advise the community on actions individuals can take to reduce their chance of
exposure to elevated levels of lead in drinking water.
This section details the specific PE requirements under the LCR and presents basic steps in developing a
PE Program Plan. Sections 2 and 3 go into a greater level of detail on each step in the Program Plan and
strategies for implementing each step. Water systems, both large and small, should pay particular attention
to the requirements outlined in Section 1 in order to meet your obligations under the LCR. (Appendix D of
this document provides a copy of the Federal regulatory language described in this document.)
Summary of Program Requirements
This document provides guidance to you, the public water supplier, regarding the PE requirements of
the LCR, as amended in 2007. Section 141.85 of the lead and copper rule regulations contain specific
requirements regarding the content and delivery of your public education program. The tables below
highlight the changes to the PE requirements contained in §141.85 and other public information
requirements. Refer to pages 5-7 of this Section for complete program requirements.
Note: Water systems must submit all written public education materials to the state prior to delivery. The
state may require the system to obtain approval of the content of written PE materials prior to delivery.
Table 1. Changes in the Public Education Requirements Resulting from the Lead and Copper Rule
Short-term Revisions and Clarifications
Revisions:
Applies to:
Content of Materials
Must alter language of previous public education according to the new text.
May use own language to discuss sources of lead and steps to reduce lead in drinking
water (previously pre-written text was required. Systems are now able to develop own
text within the guidelines that is applicable to local situation).
Must include language explaining what happened and what is being done.
Must include language providing contacts for more information.
Must include language explaining how to get water tested and lead in plumbing
components (low lead vs. lead free).
All water systems
All water systems
All water systems
All water systems
CWSs
Delivery of Public Education Materials
Must deliver printed materials meeting the content requirements to all bill paying
customers within 60 days after the end of the monitoring period in which the
exceedance occurred.
CWSs
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
Table 1. Changes in the Public Education Requirements Resulting from the Lead and Copper Rule
Short-term Revisions and Clarifications - (continued)
Revisions:
Must, no less than quarterly, provide information on or in each water bill as long as the
system exceeds the action level for lead after the end of the monitoring period in which
the exceedance occurred.1 The message on the water bill must include the following
statement: "[Insert name of water system] found high levels of lead in drinking water in
some homes. Lead can cause serious health problems. For more information please call
[insert name of water system] or visit [insert your Web site here.]
Must continue to include information in water utility bill every billing cycle, but no less
frequently than quarterly, while still in exceedance of lead action level.
Must make a good-faith effort within 60 days after the end of the monitoring period
in which the exceedance occurred to contact customers most at risk by delivering
materials to the contact list of organizations with an informational notice encouraging
them to pass the information along.
Must deliver materials that meet content requirements to local public health agency and
directly contact the agencies within 60 days after the end of the monitoring period in
which the exceedance occurred.
Must deliver materials that meet content requirements to:
- Public and private schools or school boards
- Women Infants and Children (WIC) and Head Start programs
- Public and private hospitals and medical clinics
- Pediatricians
- Family planning clinics
- Local welfare agencies
Must post material to a publicly accessible Web site within 60 days after the end of the
monitoring period in which the exceedance occurred.
Must submit press release to newspaper, television, and radio stations within 60 days
after the end of the monitoring period in which the exceedance occurred.
Must repeat submission of press releases twice every 12 months while still in
exceedance of lead action level.
Must implement additional activities from one or more of the categories listed within
60 days after the end of the period in which the exceedance occurred (See Tables 2 and
3).
May distribute notices to every household served by system in place of submitting a
press release.
May limit the distribution of PE materials to facilities and organizations served by
the system most likely visited by pregnant women and children provided the system
distributes the PE materials to every household served by the system.
Must repeat delivering printed materials, good-faith efforts, and outreach activities
every 1 2 months while still in exceedance of lead action level.
May receive extension from State on 60 day requirement if needed for implementation
purposes.2
End of the monitoring period is September 30 of the calendar year in which sampling
occurs, or, if the Primacy Agency has established an alternate monitoring period, the
last day of that period.
Applies to:
CWSs
CWSs
CWSs
CWSs
CWSs
CWSs serving a population
greater than 100,000
CWSs
CWSs
CWSs
CWSs serving 3,300 or
fewer people (previously for
CWSs serving between 501
and 3,300 people)
CWSs serving 3,300 or
fewer people
CWSs
CWSs
All water systems that
are required to conduct
monitoring annually or less
frequently
1The message or delivery mechanism can be modified in consultation with the Primacy Agency. Specifically, the Primacy Agency may
allow a separate mailing of PE materials to customers if the water system cannot place information on the water bills.
2Note: This extension is only appropriate if the system has initiated public education activities prior to the end of the 60-day
deadline.
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
Table 1A. Other Lead and Copper Rule Public Information Requirements
Revisions:
Applies to:
Notification of Results - Reporting Requirements1
Must provide a consumer notice of lead tap water monitoring results to
all persons served by sampling sites.2
Must provide consumer notice as soon as practical, but no later than 30
days after system learns of tap monitoring results.
Must include the following information: results of lead tap water
monitoring, an explanation of the health effects of lead, list steps
consumers can take to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water, and
contact information for the water utility. The notice must also provide
the maximum contaminant level goal (MCLG) and the action level (AL) for
lead and definitions for these two terms.3
Must be provided to all persons served at the site by mail or other
methods. This includes those who do not receive a water bill.
All water systems
All water systems
All water systems
All water systems
Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) Requirements4
Every report must include the following lead-specific information: If
present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems,
especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking
water is primarily from materials and components associated with service
lines and home plumbing. [NAME OF UTILITY] is responsible for providing
high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials
used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for
several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by
flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for
drinking or cooking5. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you
may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking
water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is
available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/
safewater/lead.6J
A system may write its own statement in consultation with the Primacy
Agency.
All CWSs
All CWSs
'See Appendix C for templates with language that meets the notification of results requirements.
2This must be done whether or not you have a lead action level exceedence.
3The MCLG is 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. The action level (AL) is the concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers
treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.
"This information must be included in the CCR whether or not the CWS has had a lead action level exceedence.
5You may wish to, in consultation with the Primacy Agency, write your own flushing time based on the actual flushing time in
your PE plan or a flushing time that is more appropriate to your system.
6For CWSs that have a lead action level exceedence, the new required language is in addition to what the system is required
to report in the CCR. Note: All CWSs must report the number of samples above the action level and the 90th percentile value.
7CWSs in States where EPA is the Primacy Agency or that have adopted the Revisions by December 2008 must begin including
this lead informational statement in CCRs that are due to consumers by July 1, 2009 (i.e., the 2008 CCR.) Otherwise, CWSs
must begin to include this information in the 2009 CCR.
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
I. Required Content of Public Education Materials
Your PE notices are required to begin with the following statement:
Important Information about Lead in Your Drinking Water
[Insert name of water system] found elevated levels of lead in drinking water in some homes/buildings. Lead can
cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Please read this information
closely to see what you can do to reduce lead in your drinking water.
In addition to this statement, your PE notices are required to include, and in the order presented, the topics
which are listed below in bold and the mandatory language which is noted below in italics. Additional
information under the topics must be addressed in your PE materials, however, the specific content and
wording is flexible. (Appendix B contains a template for a PE notice with the required content as well as
suggested EPA language. Additional information for developing statements may be found at EPA's Lead Web
site at www.epa.gov/lead).
> Health Effects of Lead
Lead can cause serious health problems if too much enters your body from drinking water or other sources. It can
cause damage to the brain and kidneys, and can interfere with the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen
to all parts of your body. The greatest risk of lead exposure is to infants, young children, and pregnant women.
Scientists have linked the effects of lead on the brain with loweredIQ in children. Adults with kidney problems
and high blood pressure can be affected by low levels of lead more than healthy adults. Lead is stored in the bones
and it can be released later in life. During pregnancy, the child receives lead from the mother's bones, which may
affect brain development.
> Sources of Lead
What is lead?
Where does the lead in drinking water come from? Include information on home/building plumbing
materials and service lines that may contain lead.
What are other important sources of lead in addition to drinking water? (e.g., paint)
» Steps you can take to reduce your exposure to lead in your water
You must encourage running water to flush out the lead.1
You must explain concerns with using hot water and specifically caution against the use of hot water for
baby formula (because lead dissolves more easily in hot water).
You must tell customers that boiling water does not reduce lead levels.
You must discuss other options customers can take to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water, such as
alternative sources or treatment of water.
You must suggest that parents have their child's blood tested for lead.
You must tell customers how to get their water tested.
You must discuss lead in plumbing components and the difference between low lead and lead free.
1 Consider conducting a study to determine the appropriate system specific flushing time. Consult with the Primacy Agency before designing or
beginning a study. For example, a study may consist of collecting tap samples at different flushing time durations from a statistically significant
number of taps. In addition, use a sample size that is different than the sample size used for the 90th percent calculation to avoid study samples
from being included in the 90th percent calculation.
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
What happened? What is being done?
Why are there high levels of lead in my drinking water (if known)?
What are you (the water system) doing to reduce the lead levels in homes in this area?
Does your system have lead service lines? How can a consumer find out if their home has one? Is there a
program to replace it? Are there any special incentives offered?
Your system may also want to provide information on the history of lead levels in tap samples: have
they declined substantially over time? Have they been low and risen recently? Is there a known reason
for any change?
> For more information
Call us at [Insert Number] or (if applicable) visit our Web site at [Insert Web site Here]. For more information
on reducing lead exposure around your home/building and the health effects of lead, visit EPA's Web site at www.
epa.gov/lead, or contact your health care provider.
We recommend you include the name of your system and the date that the information is being
distributed, along with the state water system ID, somewhere on the notice.
II. Required Delivery Methods for Your Public Education Materials
Tables 2 and 3 provide a summary of the required PE activities and the timing of their implementation,
depending on system size. (Appendix B contains templates for all of the types of required notices and the
required content).
Table 2. Required Methods of Delivery for Small (<3,300 customers) Community Water Systems
Requirement
Timing1
Deliver printed materials (pamphlets, brochures, posters)
along with an informational statement encouraging
distribution to all potentially affected customers or users
Within 60 days after the end of the monitoring
period in which the exceedance occurred and
repeating once every 12 months
Deliver public education materials to the following facilities
and organizations that are served by the system along with
an informational notice that encourages distribution to
potentially affected customers:2
1. Local public health agencies3
2. Public and private schools or school boards
3. Women Infants and Children (WIC) and Head Start
programs
4. Public and private hospitals and medical clinics
5. Pediatricians
6. Family planning clinics
7. Local welfare agencies
Within 60 days after the end of the monitoring
period in which the exceedance occurred and
repeating once every 12 months
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
Table 2. Required Methods of Delivery for Small (<3,300 customers) Community Water Systems
(Continued)
Requirement
Make a good faith effort to locate the following
organizations within the service area and deliver materials
that meet the content requirements, along with an
informational notice that encourages distribution to all
potentially affected customers or users. The good faith
effort to contact at-risk customers may include requesting
a specific contact list of the organizations from the local
public health agencies, even if the agencies are not located
within the water system service area:4
1. Licensed childcare centers
2. Public and private preschools
3. Obstetricians-Gynecologists and Midwives
Provide information on or in each water bill (no less than
quarterly or state can approve a separate mailing)5 6
Submit press release to newspaper, television, and radio
stations7
Implement additional Public Education activities8
Timing1
Within 60 days after the end of the monitoring
period in which the exceedance occurred and
CWSs must submit a press release twice every
12 months on a schedule agreed upon with the
Primacy Agency
Each billing cycle for as long as the system
exceeds the lead action level
Within 60 days after the end of the monitoring
period in which the exceedance occurred and
CWSs must submit a press release twice every
12 months on a schedule agreed upon with the
Primacy Agency
Within 60 days after the end of the monitoring
period in which the exceedance occurred and
repeating once every 1 2 months
1 Primacy Agency can allow activities to extend beyond the 60-day requirement if needed for implementation purposes;
however, this extension must be approved in writing in advance of the 60-day deadline.
2Td obtain a list of organizations in your area, contact your local public health agency. Additional informational resources
of associations and licensing agencies of these organizations are listed in Appendix C.
3 Systems are required to contact their Local Public Health Agencies directly (either in person or by phone) even if they are
not located in the water system service area. If you do not have a Local Public Health Agency, you should contact your
State Health Department.
"For further clarification of a good faith effort, systems should consult with their Primacy Agency.
5State may allow a separate mailing if the water system cannot place information on the water bill. Water bill language is
included in Appendix B.
6Systems may add additional pages (e.g., public education brochure) to the Consumer Confidence Report if timing is
appropriate. However, it may be rare that timing will coincide, given that the CCR must contain compliance data collected
in the previous calendar year and the report must be provided to consumers no later than July 1 (i.e., the report issued by
July 1, 2007 contains compliance data collected in calendar year 2006).
7Primacy Agency may waive this requirement as long as the system distributes notices to every household served by the
system.
8 See Table 4 for a listing of the additional required activities for small systems.
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
Table 3. Required Methods of Delivery for Large (>3,300 customers) Community Water Systems
Requirement
Timing1
Deliver printed materials (pamphlets, brochures, posters) to all bill
paying customers
Within 60 days after the end of the monitoring
period in which the exceedance occurred and
repeating once every 12 months
Deliver public education materials to the following organizations
that are served by the system, along with an informational notice
encouraging distribution to all potentially affected customers:2
1. Local public health agencies3
2. Public and private schools or school boards
3. Women Infants and Children (WIC) and Head Start programs
4. Public and private hospitals and medical clinics
5. Pediatricians
6. Family planning clinics
7. Local welfare agencies
Within 60 days after the end of the monitoring
period in which the exceedance occurred and
repeating once every 12 months
Make a good faith effort to locate the following organizations
within the service area and deliver materials that meet the content
requirements, along with an informational notice that encourages
distribution to all potentially affected customers or users. The
good faith effort to contact at-risk customers may include
requesting a specific contact list of the organizations from the
local public health agencies, even if the agencies are not located
within the water system service area:4
1. Licensed childcare centers
2. Public and private pre-schools
3. Obstetricians-Gynecologists and Midwives
Within 60 days after the end of the monitoring
period in which the exceedance occurred and
repeating once every 12 months
Provide information on or in each water bill (no less than quarterly
or state can approve a separate mailing)5'6
Each billing cycle for as long as the system exceeds
the Iea8 action level
Post material on the water system's Web site (for systems serving
> 100,000 individuals) or on a publicly accessible Web site (e.g.
State Web site)
Within 60 days after the end of the monitoring
period in which the exceedance occurred and
continuously throughout the exceedance
Submit press release to newspaper, television, and radio stations
Within 60 days after the end of the monitoring
period in which the exceedance occurred and
CWSs must submit a press release twice every
12 months on a schedule agreed upon with the
Primacy Agency
Implement additional Public Education activities7
Within 60 days after the end of the monitoring
period in which the exceedance occurred and
repeating once every 12 months
1 Primacy Agency can allow activities to extend beyond the 60-day requirement if needed for implementation purposes; however,
this extension must be approved in writing in advance of the 60-day deadline.
2 To obtain a list of organizations in your area, contact your local public health agency. Additional informational resources of
associations and licensing agencies of these organizations are listed in Appendix C.
3 Systems are required to contact their Local Public Health Agencies directly (either in person or by phone).
4 For further clarification of a good faith effort, systems should consult with their Primacy Agency.
5Primacy Agency may allow a separate mailing if the water system cannot place information on the water bill. See Appendix B for
the required water bill language.
6 Systems may add additional pages (e.g., public education brochure) to the Consumer Confidence Report if timing is appropriate.
However, it may be rare that timing will coincide, given that the CCR must contain compliance data collected in the previous
calendar year and the report must be provided to consumers no later than July 1 (i.e., the report issued by July 1, 2007 contains
compliance data collected in calendar year 2006).
7 See Table 4 for a listing of the additional required activities for large systems.
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
In addition to the activities described previously that are required for all community water systems, there are
requirements that afreet water systems depending on their size. Small systems (serving <3,300 individuals)
are required to conduct one (1) additional activity listed in Table 4. Large systems (serving >3,300
individuals) are required to conduct three (3) activities from one, two, or three of the general categories listed
in Table 4. Systems should verify with their Primacy Agency* to ensure fulfillment of all requirements.
Table 4. Required Methods of Delivery for Community Water Systems to Choose From1-2
Categories
Public Service Announcements
Paid Advertisements
Display Information in Public Areas
Email to Customers
Public Meetings
Delivery to Every Household
Individual Contact with Customers (targeted contact)
Provide Materials Directly to Multi-family Housing
Other Methods Approved by the State
Example Activities
Radio and Television PSAs
Newspaper, transit, or movie theater ads
Community and health centers
Local sporting events
Grocery stores
Laundromat bulletin boards
Libraries
Faith-based organizations
Community listservs
Utility or other publicly accessible Web site (for small
systems serving < 3,300)3
Post on local government Web sites
Town hall meetings
PTA meetings
Doorknob hangers, mailing to all consumers
Phone trees
Calls to individual consumers/households
Targeted mailings to at-risk populations
Posters, flyers
1 Appendix B contains customizable templates for PE materials that may be used to meet these requirements.
2Consult with the Primacy Agency about what constitutes a good faith effort and what activities would work for your
community.
3 Large Systems must conduct this activity (see Table 3).
*ln general, the term "State" is used to mean the Primacy Agency. Section 141.2 definition of "State" is the agency of the
State or Tribal government which has jurisdiction over public water systems. During any period when a State or Tribal
government does not have primary enforcement responsibility pursuant to section 141.3 of the Act, the term "State"
means the Regional Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
III. Consumer Confidence Report Required Information'
In addition to the required PE activities above, all CWSs must include a statement about lead, health
effects language, and ways to reduce exposure in every CCR released to the public. For CWSs that have
a lead action level exceedance, the new required language (see below) is in addition to what a system is
required to report in the CCR. Note: All CWSs must report the number of samples above the action level
and the 90th percentile value.
If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young
children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and
home plumbing. [Name of utility] is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control
the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours,
you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using
water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your drinking water, you may wish to have
your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize
exposure is available form the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.
Flexibility is given to CWSs to write its own informational statement, but only in consultation with
the Primacy Agency. For example, the system may wish to revise the flushing time of "30 seconds to
2 minutes" if it conflicts with the flushing information in its public education materials or to add the
phone number for the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791). CWSs in States where EPA is
the Primacy Agency or that have adopted the Revisions by December 2008 must begin including this
lead informational statement in CCRs that are due to consumers by July 1, 2009 (i.e., the 2008 CCR).
Otherwise, CWSs must begin to include this information in the 2009 CCR. Please note, this new
requirement applies to all CWSs irrespective of whether they have had a lead action level exceedence.
1 Refer to Appendix B for sample Consumer Notification templates.
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
IV. Developing Your Public Education Program Plan
Meeting the requirements outlined above will require a good deal of effort on the part of a water system to
implement the required activities, and within the required timeframe. The most effective way to implement
these requirements it to develop a PE Program Plan in advance of an exceedance. This plan will help you
determine what activities you will want to undertake during your routine monitoring and what you will
need to do to implement your required PE activities in the event of an exceedance.
The flowchart below lists seven recommended steps for designing and implementing your PE Program
Plan. Each step corresponds to a more detailed description included in Sections 2 and 3 of this guidance
document. Page 26 includes a simple checklist of actions you may wish to conduct as you design and
execute your PE Program Plan.
Public Education Flow Chart
Conduct Monitoring Activities
In the Event of an Exceedance
Continue Monitoring
Conclude PE Once f
Exceedance Has Ended
Design Your PE Program
1
Know Your PE Requirements
i
Know Your Target Audience
i
Contact Your Community Partners
1
Prepare Your Messages
1
Identify Your Communication Channels
i
'Determine Your Outreach Material Needs
i
Update Your PE Program Plan
1
Implement Your PE Program
Communicate with the Public
Conduct Media Outreach
14
*Note: A water system may discontinue delivery of public education materials when the system has met the lead action level during the most
recent six month monitoring period.
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
* Step 1: Know Your PE Requirements
Refer to pages 8-12 of this Section to review the required content and delivery mechanisms for your PE program.
> Step 2: Know Your Target Audience
Knowing who is in your target audience is an important first step. This will help guide your efforts to
craft messages and materials, develop effective partnerships, and determine how (and through whom)
to deliver these message and materials for maximum impact. (See Pages 17-18 to learn more about
identifying your target audiences).
> Step 3: Contact Your Community Partners
Once you know your requirements and who you will be contacting, develop partnerships with key
members of your community who will help you distribute your messages and materials and who serve
as an information source in your community (e.g. local health department). You should educate these
partners about your PE requirements and PE program, ask them for advice on how to reach your target
audiences, and let them know what assistance they can provide, such as quickly reaching the community
and providing input in planning your PE program. Please note that systems are required under
the LCR to make direct contact with their local health departments. (See Pages 18-21 to learn
more about identifying and working with your community partners). Appendix C contains additional
information for contacting local community partners.
> Step 4: Prepare Your Messages
After identifying your audience and resources and talking with your community partners, you should
identify the messages and most effective activities and delivery methods to reach your audiences. Pages
8-10 provide specific information on the delivery methods you are required to conduct. Consider the
education level of your audience and use the templates in Appendix B to customize your PE materials
(and keep in mind the required content detailed on Pages 8-9). Preparing templates ahead of time will
help make compliance within the standard timelines more feasible. (See Page 21 to learn more about
preparing your messages).
> Step 5: Identify Your Communication Channels
Knowing what messages and delivery methods you will likely be targeting, you can contact the
appropriate channels to prepare for implementation. This should include developing a list of media
outlets and contacts for distributing press releases, documenting posting requirements for Web sites, and
determining contact information for placing advertisements or submitting public service announcements.
Work with the community partners you established in Step 3 to enlist their assistance in reaching
high-risk groups, specific ethic or cultural groups, or other target audiences. (See Pages 22-23 to learn
more about communication channels). Appendix C contains additional information for identifying
communication channels.
> Step 6: Determine Your Outreach Material Needs
Identify what materials you will need and what processes you will need to put in place to produce them
quickly. You should determine how many copies of materials you will need, the costs for producing
materials, the amount of time printers will need to produce materials, and contact information for
printers, web designers, and others who will assist you in materials preparation. (See Pages 23-24 to learn
more about planning your outreach material needs).
» Step 7: Update Your PE Program Plan
Periodically, you should review and update your PE Program Plan. This should include updating all
contacts, talking with your community partners to confirm their willingness and ability to assist you
in the event of an exceedance, and determining if any new methods or ideas for reaching your target
audiences are available to you. All resources and prices associated with creating and producing your PE
outreach materials should also be checked and updated.
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
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Section 2
Designing an Effective Public Education Program
This section describes the recommended steps you should consider in planning your public education (PE)
program. These steps can help you design your PE program to ensure that, should your system experience
an action level exceedance, you will be ready to implement PE activities quickly and effectively. Your PE
Program Plan should be part of your system's larger communications plan (i.e. incorporate with your public
notifications, boiling water advisories, communication planning, etc.) While the PE requirements vary
somewhat by system size, the steps and tips presented below are applicable to all water systems, large and
small.
This section is organized around the following key steps:
^ Step 1: Know Your PE Requirements
* Step 2: Know Your Audience
* Step 3: Contact Your Community Partners
* Step 4: Prepare Your Messages
> Step 5: Identify Your Communication Channels
> Step 6: Determine Your Outreach Material Needs
> Step 7: Update Your PE Program Plan
Creating an effective PE program requires careful planning
and timely execution. Increasingly, the public expects service
providers to share health risk information in a timely and
effective way. Prompt and thorough communication allows
the public to understand a health risk issue and take action
to minimize their personal risk until the issue is resolved.
Risk information should be clear, thoughtful, and should be
delivered in a manner that meets the needs of all members of
your community. Waiting until a lead action level exceedance
has occurred to plan your program and materials creates an
unnecessary burden on your system and may result in rushed
and less effective communications with your community.
Step 1: Know Your PE Requirements
TIP: An effective PE Program
equals effective risk
communication
There are several guidelines for effective risk
communication that should be considered
when designing a PE campaign.
t Take the initiative in providing
information to your community.
> Plan your efforts in advance and evaluate
them upon completion.
> Listen to your community members and
acknowledge their concerns.
t Be a reliable source of information.
Provide honest, accurate, and
comprehensive information.
> Partner with trusted sources in your
community.
> Provide timely and accurate information
to the media.
> Always speak with a consistent voice.
Designate one point of contact that can
respond to the public and the media.
> Make PE materials easy to read and
understand for people with differing
educational levels.
Section 1 of this guidance document outlined the required activities, content, and delivery mechanisms
water systems must implement in the event of a lead action level exceedance. Water systems are required to
communicate with their Primacy Agency when an exceedance is identified. As part of your planning, you
should identify the contact at the Primacy Agency for consultations on PE requirements. Review pages 5-13
to understand your PE requirements and see Appendix D for the Federal regulatory language.
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
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Step 2: Know Your Audience
TIP: Research your audience in
advance to understand any unique
requirements they may have.
t What languages are spoken in
your service area?
> Within each language
community, what percentage
of people is also proficient in
English?
> Are there large numbers of
people in your service area with
low literacy levels?
> Are low-literacy groups
"clustered" in certain zip codes
or neighborhoods?
> What sources of information do
these groups trust?
Once you have reviewed your PE program requirements, the next
step is to determine the audience(s) for your PE program activities.
Identifying your key audiences and their information needs is,
perhaps, the most important step that you can take when planning
your program. The size, location, and cultural composition of your
audiences will have a direct effect on the design of your program
from the educational materials you use to how you distribute
information. Effective risk communication requires that important
messages reach those who need to hear them when they are ready
to hear them and in a way they can understand. In some cases,
effectiveness is determined by the person communicating the message
(i.e., using health care providers to educate expectant mothers) while
in other cases, effectiveness is determined by the way the information
is presented (i.e. through direct mailings, mass media, etc.).
Whatever the case, understanding your audience and their needs
is essential for determining how and where to deliver information
that educates, promotes desired behaviors and actions, and creates
confidence in your systems ability to deal with an exceedance.
Below are some of the audience segments that you must reach out to when conducting your PE Program.
> General public. This includes everyone in your service area that may be affected by an action level
exceedance.
> High-risk Groups. Those particularly vulnerable to lead in drinking water exposure include children
6 years of age and younger, infants, and pregnant women. Your PE program should target agencies and
organizations that serve high-risk groups, deliver materials and messages that make the risks clear, and
provide actionable recommendations for how to protect oneself and ones children from the risks of lead
in drinking water.
» Different Language Communities. If significant proportions of the population in your community
speak languages other than English, the PE materials must contain information in the appropriate
language(s) regarding the importance of the notice or a contact where persons can obtain a translation or
assistance.
* Low-literacy Audiences. Some individuals in your community may possess limited reading skills. To
reach these individuals, print materials must be written as simply and concisely as possible and should
contain graphical representations of key messages and actions. Low-literacy groups are more likely to rely
on non-print forms of communication, such as TV or radio Public Service Announcements (PSAs), to
receive information about critical health topics.
* Non-bill Paying Customers. Some people who drink your system's water may not receive a water bill
(e.g., commuters working within the water system area, but living outside of it; residents in multi-unit
dwellings who may not pay for water; restaurant owners who use the water for cooking, etc.) and your
system needs to establish delivery mechanisms to reach these individuals.
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
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Sources of information about your audiences:
U.S. Census Bureau
To find information on the languages spoken in your area, see the U.S. Census Bureau's Web site, http://
factfinder.census.gov. The census database includes information about literacy levels, what languages besides
English are spoken at home, and the level of English proficiency. (English proficiency is important, because
if a group tends to speak a language at home, but is also able to read and understand English, a notification
in a second language may not be necessary.) You should also be able to find out the number of people who
speak each language.
Local Media
Your local media is a good source of information about your community. It is the media's job to know the
community inside and out. Media outlets have an economic need to understand how to reach various
segments of the audience and typically have a mission to serve the community. These two goals mean that
they are likely to know the various audience segments in your community and have contacts with key leaders
within the community who have strong relationships or access to a specific subgroup. Since you should
establish relationships with your media anyway (Step 3), one way to create media allies is to recognize their
knowledge and ask them for valuable information about your service population.
Community and Ethnic Group Leaders
Community and ethnic group leaders can help you understand the audience segments you serve and learn
about the communication channels each segment uses and trusts. These grassroots groups have a high level
of contact with target demographic groups and tend to be trusted by them. Establish and maintain working
alliances with these grassroots organizations so that if you need to quickly disseminate a message about the
drinking water in the future, you already have channels in place to reach your diverse audience. This can
demonstrate your concern for the community they serve and establish a level of trust that will increase the
likelihood that they will assist you when needed.
Cultural and ethnic interest groups, churches/ mosques/ synagogues, and multicultural centers are in touch
with the needs and concerns of specific racial, religious, or ethnic groups, including people who may not
speak or read English. Leaders of such groups may enjoy greater trust among their constituents than water
system spokespeople.
Health Care Providers
Health care providers, hospital and nursing home directors, and social
service providers are a first source of information for many people,
especially vulnerable populations. Health professionals are likely to
be asked questions when there is an issue related to the drinking
water. Establishing relationships with these professionals in advance
of an action level exceedance and providing them with information
on your water system's plans when an exceedance occurs will help
them educate their customers and allay their concerns. Appendix C
contains more information on identifying these resources within your
community.
TIP: As you explore the resources
in your community and establish
relationships with potential allies,
remember to ask about the key
local media that each audience
segment looks to for information.
For example, many communities
have multiple non-English radio
stations, cable access television
shows, and local public radio
stations that may appeal to your
various audience segments.
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
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Step 3: Contact Your Community Partners
Now that you understand your PE program requirements
and know your audiences, you should assemble your
communication or outreach team and establish community
partnerships. You may already have a communications
team or person(s) that can be utilized to implement the PE
program. Water systems that seek assistance from a variety of
community partners to inform PE efforts and to design PE
programs are more successful at implementing effective PE
campaigns than those that do not. A diverse team comprised
of community members representing the public, private,
and civic sectors can provide your water system with: access
to a wide range of community resources; understanding of
the community's audience segments and the best ways to
reach them; and ready-made communication channels that
you can access in the event of an exceedance.
These groups can make unique and important contributions
to your PE program. Government officials lend credibility
and authority and can draw attention to the program.
Government agencies offer a variety of specialized services
and technical expertise from mobilizing community
resources and media involvement to providing expertise
on the health effects of lead. Schools are one of the best
conduits in any community for reaching parents of young
children. Community service organizations can distribute
information to high-risk targeted groups; civic groups can
offer valuable volunteer assistance; and the private sector can
underwrite program costs as well as distribute and explain
information about lead in drinking water to high-risk
targeted groups.
Form your planning team and meet with them regularly to help you
take action on the remaining steps presented below.
In addition to the members of your communication or outreach
team, consider creating partnerships with two important groups
within your community: the public health community and the
media. These groups are essential avenues for quickly reaching
the public. Enlist their assistance in planning your PE program
so that they will be ready to assist your efforts should you have an
exceedance.
Partnering with the public health community
Collaborating with public health officials is crucial to developing
an effective PE effort. Different parts of the health department,
Suggested PE Community
Partners (see Appendix C for
more information)
> City, county, and State government
officials including representatives of the
city, county, or municipal'council; the
mayor's, city administrator's, or county
commissioner's office
> City or county government agencies
including the public affairs, health, and
environmental protection departments,
and local agencies responsible for lead
screening programs
> Representatives of the local public school
system
> Representatives of public hospitals and/or
clinics
> Representatives of community
organizations that the LCR requires water
systems to reach out to in the event of an
exceedance (see Page 9 for a list of these
organizations)
> Members of civic groups such as the
Chamber of Commerce, neighborhood
associations, and local chapters of
community service organizations
> Private sector leaders such as child care
centers, health care providers, health care
facilities or clinics, and hospitals
TIP: Because of their interactions
with your target audiences, local
health professionals need to
understand how a lead action
level exceedance affects their
constituents and patients. Public
health officials may know the most
effective channels for reaching
your community's health providers.
Discuss this in advance so that you
are not trying to find every child
and maternal health clinic, doctor,
and nurse in your community at the
same time that you are trying to
solve an exceedance problem.
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including maternal and child health, community health, environmental health, and other sections, can assist
in developing your materials and conducting effective outreach. Local public health agencies often know
how to reach specific segments of your target audience because they may have had to conduct a similarly
targeted outreach campaign before. Connecting your PE campaign effort to the health department's lead
poisoning prevention, water quality, and broader environmental programs, can seed the kind of holistic lead
education program that communities require. Lead in drinking water is one possible source of exposure, but
there are many other sources and the public needs to think about lead health risks from every source, not
just what could be in the water.
Remember that the public health community is a much larger group than just the local government
agencies. Local universities, community based organizations, health care providers and insurers, nurse
practitioners, and many others create the network of care that surrounds your community. You should try to
access as many of diese organizations as you can to determine the most effective communication channels and
outreach tactics for your PE campaign. The more allies you have, the better. Appendix C contains additional
information for identifying community partners.
Chances are that public health officials who regularly work on lead issues already have lists of contacts
of health care providers, schools, child care organizations, and social service providers with close ties to
women, infants, and children in your community. Learn from
what they already know. Explain your role in monitoring for and
communicating about lead and educate health officials and others
TIP: Be on the lookout for
opportunities to help your local
about how lead enters drinking water, how the water system monitors me Ia earn a out * e services
your system provides and to recruit
them as allies in your PE efforts.
One successful approach is to host
an annual media day where you
can offer tours, explain how your
system operates, and explain your
lead monitoring program. The
more informed your local media is
about your water system, the more
accurate and positive they will be
when covering an exceedance and
conveying information to your public.
for it, and steps one can take to minimize lead exposure.
Develop a relationship and response plan with your local health
department so that you have an agreed upon process for sharing
information about lead in drinking water risks and communicating
with the public. Consumers may call the health department for
information about the health risks described in your PE materials;
if you coordinate in advance, you can ensure that, regardless of who
they call, your public hears consistent messages that will help them
understand the risks and how to manage them. The latest LCR
revisions require that water systems must have direct contact with
public health officials in die event of an exceedance. Establishing and maintaining relationships with these
individuals as you plan your program will make it easier to work with these individuals in the event of an
exceedance.
Partnering with the media
Your local media (print, radio, and television) can be a powerful ally in planning and executing your PE
program. More than any other communication channel, the media can rapidly reach a large number of
people with educational messages. Although working with the media may be challenging at times, planning
ahead will help you to quickly and effectively engage them should you have an exceedance. (See Section 3
for information on working with the media during an exceedance).
Designate one person on your staff to serve as a liaison to the media. Media outlets will heed to know who
they can speak to about an exceedance and any ramifications for the public. In the event of an exceedance,
all media inquiries should be directed to the media spokesperson. This will ensure that messages coming
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
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from your water system are consistent and contain accurate information. As part of your system's community
relations efforts, your spokesperson should meet regularly with local editors or station managers for both
small and large media outlets. You should identify and meet with reporters or segment producers that deal
with environment, health, and water issues to educate them about the water system, why and how you
monitor the water quality, and what your program will do if a lead action level exceedance or other kind of
violation occurs. The more information you can provide up front, the less likely the media will be to make
errors in their coverage.
.Ask your media contacts what kind of information about water quality issues they would find valuable in
case of an exceedance and prepare draft materials for the media in advance. If you make it easy for the media
to cover your story correctly, they are more likely to do so. If you base your draft media materials on input
from the media themselves, when it is time to finalize your materials and distribute them as part of your PE
campaign, the media is more likely to help you get your message out and to reinforce your messages.
Finally, as part of your planning for media engagement, identify individuals in your community (e.g. public
health officials, scientists, experts from local universities, etc.) who can serve as experts for the media to
contact. These individuals should be very familiar with issues related to lead in drinking waterpreferably
they are members of your team who you have educated thoroughly about your lead monitoring program
and who know your commitment to safeguarding the public health, steps individual customers can take to
protect against lead health risks, your PE Program Plan, and your
plan for solving the problem.
Step 4: Prepare Your Messages
Now that you have identified your target audiences and determined
what specific communication needs they might have, the next step is
to prepare your PE messages. For drinking water-related issues, the
public is most likely to be interested in:
> Health and safety implications. (Is my family's health in danger?)
> Simple advice and guidance. (What should I do to stay safe?)
> Practical implications, such as potential service interruptions.
(How will this affect my daily life?)
Effective messages
should:
> Be clear and concise..
> Be compelling, encourage
action, and explain how to take
action.
> Communicate the risks from all
sources of lead with a particular
emphasis on drinking water.
> Meet the communication needs
of your entire community (See
Step 2).
You do not have to wait for an exceedance to begin preparing your
messages. The required PE language (as detailed in Section 1) considers the public's risk communication
needs, but your system will want to customize your communications to convey actions you are taking as
a system to address the exceedance. Developing your key messages and
identifying materials to distribute to the public (Step 5) will ensure that,
should an exceedance occur, you will be ready to deliver materials that
educate your public, empower people to take action to protect their health,
and build trust between you and your community.
When you think about preparing messages, consider that doing so also
allows you to train spokespersons, build Web pages, draft press releases, and
create fact sheets, brochures, and other required materials before you ever
have to deal with an exceedance. Keep in mind that Section 1 contains
information about the messages your PE materials are required to
contain.
TIP: Effective risk
communication requires
that any member of the
affected public should
know who to contact for
more information and
how they can learn more
about lead in drinking
water and lead health
risks.
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
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Step 5: Identify Communication Channels to
Get Your Message Out
The next step after determining what messages you will use in
your PE Program is to identify what mechanisms you will use to
get your messages out to your target audiences.
As part of your PE program, water systems that have lead action
level exceedances are required to reach out to organizations that
regularly interact widi young children, infants, and pregnant
women (See Section 1). This requirement is designed to
help water systems find communication channels, or conduit
organizations, through which they can distribute materials and
educational messages to ensure that critical information reaches
the most vulnerable populations as quickly as possible. You
should assemble a list of organizations, contacts, and distribution
plans to ensure that, when you need to implement your PE
campaign, the pathways for sharing your information and
reinforcing your messages are already in place.
Many of the organizations that may serve as communication
channels should already be on your PE team. Those
organizations that may play a role in the event of an exceedance
and who are not on your team will need some specific
information from you as you are establishing the relationship.
Make sure all of the partners you expect to work with know:
> What to expect if an action level exceedance occurs.
> What to do with the materials that you provide them.
* How to reach the key person(s) responsible for your drinking water PE program.
Remember: To reach vulnerable populations
with information about lead, water systems
are required to conduct targeted outreach
to:
Local public health agencies
Public/private schools or school boards
WICVHead Start centers
Public/private hospitals and clinics
Pediatricians and pediatric nurse
practitioners
Family planning clinics
Local welfare agencies
Water systems are required to make a good
faith effort to conduct targeted outreach to:
> Licensed childcare centers
> Public and private pre-schools
> Obstetricians-Gynecologists and
Midwives
Appendix C contains additional information
on how to locate these organizations
Tips for Planning Your Messages and Outreach
Identify Key Organizations. Identify those organizations in your community that meet the required and
recommended list of organizations.
Assemble Your List and Be Ready for Action. Routinely review and update as necessary your list of target
organizations. Include the name of a contact person at each school, hospital, clinic, child care provider, social service,
or other organization through which you plan to distribute your PE materials. Make sure you have the address, phone
number, email, and any contact information you need to quickly reach these organizations.
Assemble a spreadsheet or database to manage organizational contact information. In addition to managing the contact
information for your conduit organizations and community partners, you may also want to include the name of the
target population you expect that organization to help you reach. Having such a system can prove useful if you have
an exceedance: you can use it to print mailing labels; organize a phone tree; and track your efforts to reach vulnerable
populations, various language communities, and non-bill paying customers.
Learn from the Professionals and Recruit Advocates. Meet with your local health department officials and ask
them about the most effective means of communicating to target populations in your community (see Step 3).
Educate and Learn from Your Advocates. Explain why lead is something you monitor, how you monitor, what you
are required to do in the event an exceedance, how they can help you and why they should care to help you, what they
can expect to receive from you in the event of an exceedance, and what you would like them to do. Ask them what they
have found to be effective methods for sharing health risk information with your target audiences.
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In addition to the organizations you are required to conduct outreach to, EPA strongly recommends that
water systems also contact:
> Maternity programs/birthing classes * Women's shelters
* Teen parent programs > Family/general practices and nurse practitioners
» Parent teacher organizations * Institutes of higher education
* Parent support organizations * Local non profit health groups
In addition to these organizations that have access to high-risk populations, EPA recommends reaching out
to conduit organizations that can help you to reach non-bill paying and other target audiences including:
Citizens assistance offices to request that they place your materials
in their lobbies or waiting rooms;
Health insurers who can include your messages in their regular
communications to their provider network and members;
Outlets that accept government payment for goods and services,
i , I I c j wrr/- where available.
such as supermarkets that take rood stamps or WIC coupons;
TIP: While systems serving over
100,000 customers are required to
provide information on their system
or other publicly accessible Web site,
systems of all sizes are encouraged to
also utilize electronic dissemination
* Low income/HUD housing where you can place posters; and
* Non-profit organizations, such as soup kitchens, religious organizations, and others, that provide services
to people who may not receive a water bill.
You should also share key information and messages with all of your employees. Your system's employees are
all ambassadors for the system as they go about doing their work. Keeping them well informed is critical, as
they will get questions and should be prepared to address issues from your customers.
It is ideal to establish relationships and mechanisms for sharing information with such conduit organizations
before an action level exceedance occurs. By coordinating with these groups, you can establish a ready-to-go
plan for communication, build understanding of why information about lead in drinking water is important
and why young children, infants, and pregnant women need to know about lead in drinking water, and
prepare staff at these organizations to discuss lead health risks.
Step 6: Determine Your Outreach Material Needs
The next step you should take in designing your PE program is
determining what materials you will provide and how you will make
them available. As you are identifying how best to reach your target
audiences, keep in mind any production processes that will need to
occur between the time you finalize your materials and the time they
are ready for distribution.
> Identify approximately how many copies of brochure, pamphlets, and posters you will need to print for
quick distribution. Be sure to make extra copies of all materials should you need to distribute several
mailings during the exceedance.
> Determine if your system has the capability, to quickly generate these materials and in the needed
quantities.
> Consider financial needs and resources of outreach activities, (i.e. printing costs).
TIP: Systems should identify
groups (e.g. schools or community
organizations) that can translate PE
materials for non-English consumers.
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
,,,!
TIP: When preparing your materials,
keep in mind the variety of
customers that you serve and their
unique needs (Step 2). For example,
your audience research will tell you if
you have a large Hispanic population
in your service area. You may learn
from your partner organizations that
many Hispanics in your community
listen to specific radio stations,
watch certain television programs,
read particular periodicals, and
convene at specific locations.
* Identify vendors in your community that can quickly reproduce
the materials that you need and regularly check in with them to
ensure that they can meet your needs.
> Negotiate an agreement with printers ahead of time so that you are
not forced to negotiate your terms when you are under pressure to
meet a deadline.
> Ask your community partners if rfiey have the capability to assist
you with preparation and production of materials.
Assemble additional materials you may want to distribute with your
PE materials, such as fact sheets and other supporting materials on
the health effects of lead. These materials are available at no-cost
from EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1 (800) 426-4791 or EPA's Web site at http://www.epa.gov/
safewater/lead/index.html. In the event of an action level exceedance, you will already have the explanatory
materials your consumers may ask for after receiving your notices. EPA's materials are updated periodically,
so check the Web site regularly to make sure that you have the most recent versions. The Hotline also
can provide phone numbers for state laboratory certification offices where consumers can get a list of labs
certified to conduct lead testing.
Step 7: Update Your PE Program Plan^
During the course of your monitoring activities (and if there is no exceedance), you should update your PE
Program Plan periodically. Contact all of your community partners (if you have not done so on a regular
basis) and determine if you have correct contact information. Update any material templates you have
created (with any new information on corrosion control or other activities undertaken by your water system
to control lead in drinking water). Contact all of the printers and vendors that you will use to produce your
materials in the event of an exceedance. Update your local public health agencies and providers about your
lead program and any activities you are taking to reduce lead and monitor drinking water supplies. Finally,
contact your local media to update them on your efforts and to address any questions they may have about
your systems' monitoring or corrosion control activities.
By keeping your plan updated and maintaining regular contact with your community partners and the
media, you will ensure that, should you have an exceedance, you will have all of the mechanisms in place to
quickly and effectively respond with your PE program.
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
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Section 3
Implementing Your Public Education Program
A lead action level exceedance triggers the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) requirements for Public Education
(PE) and establishes a timeline for performing required activities. In most cases, your PE activities must
be implemented within 60 days of the end of the monitoring period in which the exceedence occured. See
Section 1 to review the specific requirements for PE if you have an
exceedance.
Section 2 of this guidance document outlined the suggested steps you
should take to design your PE program, prior to an exceedance. In
this section, key activities for implementing your PE program are
presented. These activities include:
> Produce Your PE Materials
> Distribute Your PE Materials
> Conduct Media Outreach
> Communicate Directly with the Public
* Conclude Your PE Activities (at the End of the Exceedance)
TIP: It is important to remember
that education programs can
only be effective when they
are administered over time.
Competing demands for
people's attentioninformation
overloadcan be a significant
impediment to understanding.
Therefore, you should meet the
initial PE requirements as soon as
possible and pace your additional
PE activities over several months
to ensure that your public has
multiple opportunities to receive
your messages.
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
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The checklist below provides the key activities your program will need to take in order to effectively
implement the PE requirements and reach your key audiences. Refer to Appendix B for a checklist you can
tear out and use as you complete your activities.
Checklist for Implementing Your PE Program
s Notify your Primacy Agency of an action level exceedance triggering your PE program.
S Notify your system's decision maker (owner or president) of the exceedance.
s Review your PE requirements (Section 1) and the timeline for delivering PE materials (see
Tables 2 or 3 on Pages 8 or 9).
S Notify your communication or outreach team of the exceedance and enlist their assistance
in implementing your plan.
s Inform all of your employees about your activities so that they can respond to customer
questions or issues.
S Implement your phone tree and contact your conduit organizations to let them know that
an exceedance has occurred and that you will be sending them materials for distribution.
s Update your PE material templates with information on the exceedance, actions you are
taking to address it, and any other relevant information.
S Identify groups (e.g. schools and community organizations) that can translate PE materials
for non-English consumers.
s Prepare mailing labels for conduit organizations and other dissemination mechanisms.
s Duplicate your pamphlets, flyers, posters, or other printed materials and prepare to deliver
them to your customers and conduit organizations.
s Meet with representatives from your local health agency (in person or by phone) to alert
them to the exceedance and provide them with materials they can distribute to the public.
S Send a press release to your local media outlets (print, TV, and radio).
S Reach out to your established media contacts and work with them to distribute your key
messages.
s Coordinate with your spokesperson/spokespeople to conduct media interviews.
S Document your PE activities and report back to your Primacy Agency on completion of
activities as required.
s Update your system's Web site (if applicable) to include PE materials and key messages for
the public.
S Schedule and conduct public meetings as needed.
s Continue to conduct your monitoring activities as required.
S Notify the public when the action level exceedance has ended.
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
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Produce Your PE Materials
A critical first step in implementing your PE program in
the event of an exceedance is to produce the materials
you have determined in your planning that you will need
to distribute to your target audiences. The following
information will help you finalize your materials in
accordance with the LCR requirements and prepare
them- for quick delivery to your conduit organizations
and your community.
Printed Materials
See Section 1 for a reminder of the LCR requirements
for content for PE materials.
Appendix B provides template pamphlets with the
mandatory language systems must provide to their
customers. Note that electronic fill in the blank versions
of these materials are available on the internet at www.
epa.gov/safewater/lcrmr/compliancehelp.html for
systems to update and customize the documents with
their system-specific information.
Press Releases or Media Notices
Water systems are required to provide two press releases per
year for the duration of the exceedance. (See Section 1).
Your press releases should be brief informational
notices that are ready to be distributed to local
press representatives. Always include the name and
phone number of an informed contact so that media
representatives can obtain more information and cover
the issue more fully than presented in a news release. (A
sample press release template is provided in Appendix
B). When conducting your planning, ask your media
contacts what would make a press release stand out to
them and what they are most likely to publish so that
you can plan ahead to secure media coverage in the event
of an exceedance.
Tips for Creating PE Materials
That Work
> Place the most important information
first. Most readers only read the top half
of printed materials and focus on large
text such as headings and bolded text. The
most important information, especially
instructions to protect consumers' health,
should be placed on the top half of the
notice in large print. Smaller type is
appropriate for less critical elements.
> Limit wordiness. A question and answer
or heading and subheading format is
easy to read and guides readers to the
information that is likely to concern them.
Risk communication studies have shown
that when dealing with potential health
risks, people become emotional and have
difficulty processing information. The
best way to help the public understand
your messages is to communicate a
limited number of messages and to strive
for consistency of messaging across all
communications media. If people hear your
few, simple messages over and over again,
they are more likely to accurately estimate
their risks and to take the right steps to
manage them.
> Use graphics, such as photographs or
drawings, to illustrate your messages.
Wherever possible, provide an image that
describes the actions the public should take
to protect themselves from potential health
risks.
> Highlight the name of your system,
especially where people in your area are
served by more than one water system. You
may also want to prepare a map showing
the area you serve, especially if it extends
beyond city limits. You may want to print
materials on your system's letterhead
which, coupled with the material's title, will
help people recognize that it is important.
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
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Material Templates
Appendix B contains templates for a variety of public education materials that your system can use to support
your efforts. These templates include:
> Water Bill Insert Statement * Print Advertisement
* Brochure > Listserv or Web site Announcement
* Poster > Public Service Announcement (text for a
* Press Release radio or television PSA
* Consumer Notice of Tap Water Results
Additional Materials
Table 5 contains a list of suggested materials that may be useful in conducting additional PE outreach
activities.
Fact sheets - Provide basic, objective, detailed information on an issue or topic. Fact sheets can provide
information about the problem, recommended consumer actions, health risks, actions being taken, and
treatment goals. Fact sheets should be easily understood by the broadest spectrum of audiences.
Tip sheets and brochures - Outline specific actions residents should take. They should be clear, concise,
and present the action steps in a simplified manner.
Talking points - Give water system representatives and expert spokespeople tips on communicating
about the exceedance and the treatment process. The talking points highlight key messages that should be
delivered to the target audience in a clear and effective manner.
Charts and illustrations - Visuals can help to convey complex messages that may be difficult to understand
or to communicate textually. Examples include: the incidence of elevated lead levels in homes with and
without lead service lines, and the relative numbers of homes in each category; and a "source to tap"
representation of how water gets from the source to customers' taps.
Fliers - If you plan to host public meetings, fliers can be used to publicize upcoming meetings and other
events. They should be translated into the most common languages spoken among the target audience.
Technical/medical materials - Doctors, nurses, clinic workers, and other health care professionals may
prefer technical information about the potential health effects of lead in drinking water.
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Deliver Your PE Materials
Once you have produced your PE materials, the next step is to deliver them through the various conduit
organizations and communications channels that you identified in your program design (See Section 2, Step 6).
Table 5. Suggestions for Materials in Various Communications Venues
Materials
Fact sheets
Tip sheets
Talking points
Press releases
Charts and
illustrations
Fliers
Public service
materials
Technical/ medical
materials
Communication Routes
> Insert in media press kits
Include in conduit organization mailings
» Hand out at public meetings
» Include in conduit organization mailings
» Hand out at public meetings
> Use for press events
> Use at public meeting presentations
> Provide to utility telephone receptionists or others taking calls from the public
> Issue in advance of press events and public meetings
* Provide as graphics to television stations and print media
> Display and distribute as handouts at public meetings
> Use in briefing slides or display as posters for press events and public
meetings
> Distribute in advance of public meetings
> Distribute PSAs to radio and television stations and print media
* Include in conduit organizations mailings
> Distribute at public meetings
> Distribute to community leaders and health care professionals
TIP: Remember that people who
live in apartment complexes or other
housing units where the water bill
is paid by a landlord or a supervisor
will not be on your mailing list.
The landlord or supervisor for such
buildings should be mailed extra bill
inserts for distribution to residents.
Bill Inserts
Many CWSs periodically enclose special information notices or
inserts in their customers' water bills. If you already provide this
service, you may choose to dedicate a particular notice to the topic
of lead in drinking water. Bill inserts are relatively inexpensive to
produce especially if you already have a regular notice service. If
you do not currently provide such a service, you can use the notice
provided in Appendix B. Remember: in an exceedance you are
required to provide lead information no less than quarterly on each
water bill using the required language.
Local Newspapers
CWSs must deliver information within 60 days after the end of the monitoring period in which the
exceedance occurred and twice every 12 months on a schedule agreed upon with the Primacy Agency to
editorial departments of the major daily and weekly newspapers circulated throughout the community.
Newspapers are always in search of newsworthy items and will often publish feature articles based on a
news release or coverage of a press conference. You should use all
major daily and weekly newspapers to get your message delivered.
Radio and Television Stations
Radio and television stations are a prime source of information for
most people. Radio and television news programs often feature brief
TIP: Under the LCR, small systems
(serving 3,300 or fewer people) are no
longer required to deliver PSAs. Check
with your State Primacy Agency to be
sure that you are exempt from this
requirement.
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spots based on a press release or coverage of a press conference. The stations also broadcast brief PSAs as a
community service. In addition, they feature news briefs, special interest features, and talk shows on local
issues of interest. Large CWSs should promote radio and television coverage of lead in drinking water issues
as an effective way to get the message delivered to a mass audience at no cost.
Public Service Announcements
Section I41.85(b) of the regulation does not specify the minimum
content of the public education language to be broadcast to
customers. A PSA can be broadcast on either radio or television.
A PSA is very brief (e.g., 20 seconds) and can provide far-reaching,
low-cost publicity for your program. A pre-taped or written
announcement can be provided to radio stations; the text for a
video spot or an actual videotaped message can be provided to television stations.
EPA encourages CWSs to submit PSAs to five radio or television stations with the largest audiences in the
community. If you select this method, PSAs must be submitted once every twelve months for as long as the
system continues to exceed the lead action level.
Conduct Media Outreach
TIP: The Short Term revisions to the LCR
do not require water systems to produce
PSAs. However, PSAs are one of the
additional activities that large and small
water systems can provide to meet the
additional PE requirements.
TIP: Whenever possible, visit your media
contacts in person to request coverage.
To help disseminate your PE messages, call on your established
media contacts who already understand your mission to inform
and protect the public. When you pitch messages to newspapers,
TV, or radio outlets, clearly explain what information you are
trying to communicate and why. Explain to the media in clear and open terms what you are required to do
to communicate about an action level exceedance and make it easy for them to identify the most important
information, including information that led to detection of the action level exceedance, the populations
most at risk from elevated lead levels in drinking water and potential health effects, actions consumers can
take to reduce their risks, and actions your water system is taking to address the problem. The easier you
make it for the media to accurately cover your story, the more likely you are to get the results you want.
TIP: In addition to sending the required press releases
or notifications, consider:
* Offering a spokesperson to be interviewed on
the air. Ideally, you have identified and prepped
spokespeople to understand your program and
how to deal with the pressures associated with
an interview, so that they will seem calm (and not
evasive or defensive).
> Writing a draft story or an op-ed for the newspaper
and providing a completed draft to an editor.
> Providing radio and television programs with talking
points, sources for impartial information (such as
links to the EPA or CDC Web-based information
on lead), contacts at the health department, and
suggestions .of people they can interview for a story.
> Providing statistics, charts, graphics (photographs,
video footage, drawings, maps) along with your
text to make it easy for different types of media to
broadcast your story.
When you send press releases or notices to radio
and TV stations and newspapers, write "PRESS
RELEASE FOR DRINKING WATER NOTICE"
at the top of the notice to emphasize its importance
and ensure that it will be printed or aired in a timely
manner.
Don't be upset if a media story isn't exactly as
you would want it, but politely tell a reporter if a
significant piece of information is wrong or missing
so that they can get the correct information out to
the public.
If a newspaper will not publish a story or press
release, you may want to consider buying space
to print the notice in its entirety, though it is not
required. You should buy an advertisement as close
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
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to the front of the paper as possible and make it large
enough that people will easily see it. Your initial planning
should have determined if this may be a concern and if you
should budget for purchasing advertisement space.
Communicate Directly with the Public
Effective PE campaigns can minimize the chances of
overreaction to an action level exceedance and can help
focus your community's attention on the source of a
problem. A robust PE campaign that explains what an
exceedance means and the specific steps you are taking
to address the issue can be an excellent public relations
tool. Such a campaign will help to create a partnership
between you and your customers that demonstrates your
commitment to providing safe water and reduces the
prevalence of the "us versus them" mentality.
Tips for Working with the Media
> Be truthful and up-front about local water
quality issues and the exceedance.
> Don't be defensive when answering
questions.
> Answer questions as well as you can, but
don't be afraid to say that you need to check
on something if there is a question you can't
answer (and once you find the information,
quickly report back on what you've found).
> Keep in mind that reporters are not familiar
with State or Federal requirements for safe
drinking water - avoid technical jargon!
> Provide additional sources of information
(for instance, referrals to State contacts, local
experts, or EPA fact sheets).
> Be sensitive to the fact that reporters may be
working on tight deadlines.
> Provide a list of the elements that the media
must address to adequately inform the public
about potential risks and how to manage
them.
Quickly distributing the required and recommended
materials to all your target populations will help reduce
the chance that people will become alarmed and overreact
to information about an exceedance. If you have planned
your distribution of materials through communication
channels and partners effectively and established close relationships with conduits, your materials should reach
your community promptly and educate them about the issue.
Public Meetings
In addition to distributing messages and materials to your community, public meetings are an effective
avenue for directly communicating with your audiences about the exceedance and your activities to address
it. Well advertised public meetings provide a forum where the public can ask questions and meet individuals
responsible for addressing the lead issue. Many public meeting formats and styles are available. A few
options are described below.
Speakers' forums feature formal presentations by a speaker or group of speakers, with questions taken
during or after their presentations. This format ensures that the message is specific and that everyone
receives the same message, and offers the greatest control over the content, flow, and outcome of the event.
However, it allows limited interaction with the audience, with the exception of a brief question and answer
period, and therefore restricts the amount of public feedback received.
In round table discussions, the public is given an opportunity to present their opinion or ask questions in a
facilitated discussion. This format can be a facilitated open dialogue among all participants, or small group
discussions between members of the public with facilitators or experts moderating the conversations. Like
testimony, round table discussions can offer a great deal of interaction and opinion sharing, and are a good
way to gauge public opinion. Likewise, planners have little control over the content. All participants may
not receive the same message, especially where multiple conversations take place simultaneously.
Open houses are a one-on-one information exchange format, where experts sit at tables or booths and the
public is invited to talk to them, share their concerns, and ask questions. Written materials can be available
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for the public to take with them. In this informal
format, the public can "digest" what they want,
either a brief, direct answer to a question or
detailed information. All participants do not
receive the same message (i.e., what they learn
depends on what they ask). While there is no
way to anticipate the content of topics raised, this
approach offers more control than other open
forums because the exchange is one-on-one, not
across a large group.
Availability sessions combine structured speakers
forums and open houses. Prior to formal
presentations, speakers are available to talk to
people and answer questions. The structured
presentations offer an opportunity to disseminate
the message as planned. The one-on-one
interaction supplements the formal information
exchange by giving citizens an opportunity to ask
questions or speak to an involved party about their
concerns. This dialog also can help the speakers
anticipate questions or concerns that may be raised
in front of reporters and a large audience.
Conclude Your PE Activities at the
End of the Exceedance
Considerations for Public Meetings
Meeting planning is an involved process that requires
many detailed steps.
> Public meetings should be held as soon as possible
following an exceedance. The availability of
newsworthy information generates public interest
and increases the likelihood of a high turnout at
meetings. Proper spacing of the meetings over time
is important to keep the media and public interested
in the issue.
> Scheduling of public meetings should take into
consideration other events that could pose conflicts,
such as the school calendar (e.g., start of school,
vacations), other community meetings, holidays, or
other events of importance to the target audience.
> Meeting site selection should be based on attracting
the greatest variety of interested audience segments.
Meetings should be geographically distributed
throughout the community. Selecting locations
that are convenient to large numbers of people in
certain groups can increase interest and boost media
coverage geared to those groups.
> Proper publicity is a crucial planning step for each
public event, because a high turnout is needed to
ensure the widest distribution of the message. A
few outreach considerations for public meetings are:
Where target populations are clustered in a
few apartment communities, meeting notices
should be posted on bulletin boards, in hallways,
laundry rooms, and other public areas; placed
as advertisements or articles in community
newsletters; or be advertised through mailings to
each apartment.
Local elected officials should be invited, and
receive "courtesy calls" in advance of any public
advertising.
Translators should be provided at meetings held
in areas with significant non-English speaking
populations. Provide sign-language interpreters
for the hearing impaired.
Your public education program is required to
provide ongoing messages until the action level
exceedance has ended. This continued education
effort will keep your public informed about any
continuing issues related to lead in drinking water
and keep them abreast of progress your system
is making toward resolving the problem. Once
the issue has been resolved, continue to provide
the public information about lead in drinking
water. Your Consumer Confidence Report is an
opportunity to provide ongoing education to your
customers about the importance of addressing lead
in drinking water and your program's monitoring
and education activities. (See Section 1 for required language for use in CCRs.)
After the exceedance has ended, conducting follow-up focus group testing with your customers can help to
ensure that the messages in your materials were received as intended and that all target audiences understood
your materials. The results of such an analysis can help mold future efforts and guide you on areas where
you may want to refine your planning.
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Media surveys can assess how well the information was reported by television and radio stations and the
press. Media coverage can be monitored by reviewing the Web sites of local media outlets, or purchasing
the services of media surveillance firms. Relevant information includes the frequency of stories, the media
through which they were reported, and the content of the stories (e.g., whether the most important facts
were covered or if any erroneous information was reported).
Polling citizens can directly gauge their opinion of the outreach by determining citizens' awareness of the
exceedance, how they perceived the information, where they received the information, and if they were
satisfied with and could understand it. The telephone is the most common polling avenue, however, phone
polls should be undertaken and interpreted with caution, as the subjects of a phone survey may not include
low income residents with no telephone (door-to-door surveys are an option in these areas). Pollsters should
be able to speak all of the languages represented in the service area. Your conduit organizations should be
surveyed as well.
Conclusion
The steps outlined in this guidance document and the tips provided are designed to provide you with all
of the background you need to design and implement an effective PE program. Following the guidance
provided will allow you to reach out to all members of your community, including those that are the most
vulnerable to adverse health effects from lead exposure, with messages and delivery methods that meet your
community's diverse communication needs. The partnerships you create with your local media, public
health community, and other key partners can serve as important ties for all of your work, regardless of
whether your system experiences an exceedance. Most importantly, the guidance provided in this document
establishes an effective framework for communicating with your public about the many issues your water
system addresses.
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
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Appendix A
Frequently Asked Questions
-------
Lead in Drinking Water - Frequently Asked Questions
Template*
What are the Sources of Lead?
Lead is a common metal found in the environment. Drinking water is one possible source of lead exposure.
The main sources of lead exposure are lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust or soil, and some
plumbing materials. In addition, lead can be found in certain types of pottery, pewter, brass fixtures, and
cosmetics. Other sources of lead include exposures in the work place and exposure from certain hobbies
(lead dust can be carried on clothing and shoes.) Lead is found in some toys, some playground equipment,
and some children's metal jewelry. Everyone, especially children, should be encouraged to regularly wash
their hands to reduce lead dust exposure.
Why is there lead in my drinking water?
Lead is not usually found in water that comes from wells or water treatment plants. More commonly lead
can enter drinking water when the water comes in contact with plumbing materials such as lead pipes or
lead solder, or when it comes in contact with faucets, valves, and other components made of brass (brass may
have lead in it). This interaction is referred to as corrosion.
Even though your public water supplier may deliver water that meets all federal and state standards for lead,
you may end up with elevated lead levels in your drinking water because of the plumbing in your home.
What is the water system doing about it?
Our water system is working to educate the public about steps for reducing exposure to lead in drinking
water and the health risks associated with exposure to lead. In addition, our water system is conducting
a number of activities aimed at reducing high lead levels and possible exposures. For example [insert
information on your system's corrosion control program; lead service line replacement efforts; and/or other
activities you are undertaking to reduce lead in drinking water in your community.]
What can I do to make my water safer?
Flush your pipes before drinking, and only use cold water for cooking I _._ " " i
' r r ° TIP: If you are considering
replacing lead containing plumbing
fixtures, keep in mind that
plumbing fixtures labeled lead-free
may have up to 8% lead.
and drinking. The more time water has been sitting in your home's
pipes, the more lead it may contain. Anytime the water in a particular
faucet has not been used for six hours or longer, "flush" your cold-water
pipes by running the water until it becomes as cold as it will get. This
could take as little as five to thirty seconds if there has been recent heavy
water use such as showering or toilet flushing. Otherwise, it could take two minutes or longer. Your water
utility will inform you if longer flushing times are needed to respond to local conditions. Please note that
flushing may not be effective in high-rise buildings.
Use only water from the cold-water tap for drinking, cooking, and especially for making baby formula. Hot
water is likely to contain higher levels of lead.
You may also consider using a lead reducing filter tested and certified by an independent third party for such
ability per the standards set by NSF International.
* Note: These questions and answers are provided to water systems to help address the types of questions that may arise from customers during
implementation of a PE Program. This information or the language above should not be used as a substitute for the mandatory content required
under the LCR, as outlined in Section 1.
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
What will lead do to me or my family?
Lead is a toxic metal that is harmful to human health when it is ingested or inhaled. The greatest risk it to
infants, young children, and pregnant women. Small amounts slow down normal mental development in
growing children and alter the development of other organs and systems. The effects of lead on the brain
are associated with lowered IQ in children. Adults with kidney problems and high blood pressure are more
likely to be affected by low levels of lead than the general population. Lead is stored in the bones allowing
it to be released even after exposure stops. The presence in bone increases the concern for exposure at all
points of the life cycle.
EPA estimates that 10 to 20 percent of human exposure to lead may come from lead in drinking water.
Infants who consume mostly formula prepared with tap water can receive 40 to 60 percent of their exposure
to lead from drinking water.
Does boiling water remove lead?
No, boiling water does not remove lead. Boiling water can concentrate lead levels and increase the amount of
lead in water.
If 1 boil water for making formula, will it increase or remove lead?
Boiling water will concentrate lead levels, which can increase the amount of lead in the water. Always flush
your faucet and use water from the cold water tap when making formula.
Why can't I use hot water from the tap for drinking, cooking, or making baby
formula?
. Hot water dissolves lead more quickly than cold water and is therefore more likely to contain greater
amounts of lead. Never use water from the hot water tap for drinking, cooking, or making baby formula.
Will my filter remove lead?
Some filters can remove lead from drinking water. If you use a filter, be sure to get one that is tested and
certified by an independent third party per the standards developed by NSF International. Be sure to
maintain and replace a filter device in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions to protect water
quality.
My neighbors got their water tested and found lead. Is my water safe/are my
test results accurate?
Each home should be tested separately for lead. Lead usually gets into drinking water through contact with
plumbing materials such as lead pipes or lead solder, or faucets, valves, and fixtures made of brass (brass
contains some lead). Since each home has different plumbing pipes and materials, test results are likely to be
different for each home.
Can I get my water tested for lead?
Yes. EPA recommends testing your water for lead by a certified laboratory; lists are available from your state
or local drinking water authority. Testing costs between $20 and $ 100. Since you cannot see, taste, or smell
lead dissolved in water, testing is the only sure way of telling whether there are elevated levels of lead in your
drinking water. You should be particularly suspicious if your home has lead pipes (lead is a dull gray metal
that is soft enough to be easily scratched with a house key), if you see signs of corrosion (frequent leaks,
rust-colored water, stained dishes or laundry), or if your non-plastic plumbing is less than five years old. Your
water supplier may have useful information, including whether the service connector used in your home
or area is made of lead. Testing is especially important in high-rise buildings where flushing may not be
effective.
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
What do you mean when you say the Action Level has been exceeded?
The action level for lead is a level at which the regulatory agency is concerned about corrosion and requires
water systems to take additional steps to protect users of the water. Our water system is required to notify the
public when our test results show levels of lead above the 15 ppb action level in >10% of samples collected.
Is there anything else I can do beyond flushing my tap or buying bottled water?
Test your water first to determine whether your water has elevated levels of lead. If there is lead in your
water, you may want to consider buying a water filter to lower lead levels. Replacing pipes and fixtures with
products certified against NSF/ANSI Standard 61 can lower lead levels. In addition, be sure to clean all
water outlet screens regularly to remove small sediments that may contain lead.
Where can I get more information on lead?
For more information, visit www.epa.gov/leador call EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at
1-800-426-4791. Your state or local public health department will also be able to provide information about
lead.
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
Appendix B
Public Education Material Templates*
> Checklist for Implementing Your PE Program
> General Public Education Notice and ListServ/Email
Announcement
» Web site Announcement
> Public Service Announcement
» Water Bill Statement/Insert
> Press Release
> Brochure
* Poster
> Consumer Notice of Tap Water Results
Customizable versions of these templates are available for download at: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lcrmr/compliancehelp.html
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
Checklist for Implementing Your PE Program
D Notify your Primacy Agency of an action level exceedance triggering your PE program.
D Notify your system's decision maker(s) of the exceedance.
D Review your PE requirements (Section 1) and the timeline for delivering PE materials (see
Tables 2 or 3 on Pages 8 or 9).
D Notify your communication or outreach team of the exceedance and enlist their assistance
in implementing your plan.
D Inform all of your employees about your activities so that they can respond to customer
questions or issues.
D Implement your phone tree and contact your conduit organizations to let them know that
an exceedance has occurred and that you will be sending them materials for distribution.
D Update your PE material templates with information on the exceedance, actions you are
taking to address it, and any other relevant information.
D Identify groups (e.g. schools and community organizations) that can translate PE materials
for non-English consumers.
D Prepare mailing labels for conduit organizations and other dissemination mechanisms.
D Duplicate your pamphlets, flyers, posters, or other printed materials and prepare to deliver
them to your customers and conduit organizations.
D Meet with representatives from your local health agency (in person or by phone) to alert
them to the exceedance and provide them with materials they can distribute to the public.
D Send a press release to your local media outlets (print, TV, and radio).
D Reach out to your established media contacts and work with them to distribute your key
messages.
D Coordinate with your spokesperson/spokespeople to conduct media interviews.
D Document your PE activities and report back to your Primacy Agency on completion of
activities as required.
D Update your system's Web site (if required) to include PE materials and key messages for
the public.
D Schedule and conduct public meetings as needed.
D Continue to conduct your monitoring activities as required.
D Notify the public when the action level exceedance has ended.
Customizable versions of these templates are available for download at: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lcrmr/compliancehelp.html
41
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
General Public Education Notice and ListServ/Email
Announcement Template
The following language meets the revised PE requirements under the 2007 short-term revisions and
clarifications to the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR). Your notice must include the topic areas in bold
below. Anything in italics under each topic area is required language and cannot be changed while anything
in regular text must be covered, but you have the flexibility to use either the suggested language or your own
words to cover these topics.
Your notice must begin with the following opening statement (though you have the option to include a title
of the pamphlet or brochure of your choosing):
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT LEAD IN YOUR DRINKING WATER
[Insert name of water system] found elevated levels of lead in drinking water in some homes/buildings. Lead can
cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and children 6 years and younger. Please read this
notice closely to see what you can do to reduce lead in your drinking water.
Health Effects of Lead
Lead can cause serious health problems if too much enters your body from drinking water or other sources. It can
cause damage to the brain and kidneys, and can interfere with the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen
to all parts of your body. The greatest risk of lead exposure is to infants, young children, and pregnant women.
Scientists have linked the effects of lead on the brain with lowered IQ in children. Adults with kidney problems
and high blood pressure can be affected by low levels of lead more than healthy adults. Lead is stored in the bones
and it can be released later in life. During pregnancy, the child receives lead from the mother's bones, which may
affect brain development.
Sources of Lead
Lead is a common metal found in the environment. Drinking water is one possible source of lead exposure.
The main sources of lead exposure are lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust or soil, and some
plumbing materials. In addition, lead can be found in certain types of pottery, pewter, brass fixtures, food,
and cosmetics. Other sources include exposure in the work place and exposure from certain hobbies (lead
can be carried on clothing or shoes). Lead is found in some toys, some playground equipment, and some
children's metal jewelry.
Brass faucets, fittings, and valves, including those advertised as "lead-free," may contribute lead to drinking
water. The law currently allows end-use brass fixtures, such as faucets, with up to 8 percent lead to be
labeled as "lead free."
[Insert utility specific information describing your community's source water - e.g. "The source of water
from XX Reservoir does not contain lead" or "Community X does not have any lead in its source water or
water mains in the street."] When water is in contact with pipes [or service lines] or plumbing that contains
lead for several hours, the lead may enter drinking water. Homes built before 1988 are more likely to have
lead pipes or lead solder.
EPA estimates that 10 to 20 percent of a person's potential exposure to lead may come from drinking water.
Infants who consume mostly formula mixed with lead-containing water can receive 40 to 60 percent of their
exposure to lead from drinking water.
Don't forget about other sources of lead such as lead paint, lead dust, and lead in soil. Wash your children's
hands and toys often as they can come into contact with dirt and dust containing lead.
"Customizable versions of these templates are available for download at: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lcrmr/compliancehelp.html
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
Steps You Can Take To Reduce Your Exposure To Lead In Your Water
1. Run your water to flush out lead. Run water for 15-30 seconds to flush lead from interior plumbing
[or insert a different flushing time if your system has representative data indicating a different flushing
time would better reduce lead exposure in your community and if the State Primacy Agency approves
the wording] or until it becomes cold or reaches a steady temperature before using it for drinking or
cooking, if it hasn't been used for several hours. [It is likely that systems with lead service lines will need
to collect data to determine the appropriate flushing time for lead service lines.]1
2. Use cold water for cooking and preparing baby formula. Do not cook with or drink water from the hot
water tap; lead dissolves more easily into hot water. Do not use water from the hot water tap to make baby
formula.
3. Do not boil water to remove lead. Boiling water will not reduce lead.
4. Look for alternative sources or treatment of water. You may want to consider purchasing bottled
water or a water filter. Read the package to be sure the filter is approved to reduce lead or contact NSF
International at 800-NSF-8010 or www.nsf.org for information on performance standards for water
filters. Be sure to maintain and replace a filter device in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions
to protect water quality.
5. Test your water for lead. Call us at [insert phone number for your water system] to find out how to get
your water tested for lead. [Include information on your water system's testing program. For example,
do you provide free testing? Are there labs in your area that are certified to do lead in water testing?]
6. Get your child's blood tested. Contact your local health department or healthcare provider to find out
how you can get your child tested for lead if you are concerned about exposure.
7. Identify and replace plumbing fixtures containing lead. Brass faucets, fittings, and valves, including
those advertised as "lead-free," may contribute lead to drinking water. The law currently allows end-
use brass fixtures, such as faucets, with up to 8% lead to be labeled as "lead free." Visit the Web site at
www.nsf.org to learn more about lead-containing plumbing fixtures.
What Happened? What is Being Done?
[Insert information about how and when the exceedance was discovered in your community and provide
information on the source(s) of lead in the drinking water, if known.]
[Insert information about what your system is doing to reduce lead levels in homes in your community.]
[Insert information about lead service lines in your community, how a consumer can find out of they have a
lead service line, what your water system is doing to replace lead service lines, etc.]
[Insert information about the history of lead levels in tap water samples in your community. For example,
have they declined substantially over time? Have they been low and risen recently? Is there a known reason
for any lead level changes?]
For More information
Call us at [Insert Number] (if applicable) or visit our Web site at [insert Web site Here]. For more information
on reducing lead exposure around your home/building and the health effects of lead, visit EPA's Web site at www.
epa.gov/lead or contact your health care provider.
[We recommend you include the name of your system and the date that the information is being
distributed, along with the state water system ID, somewhere on the notice.]
'The bracketed language does not need to be included, as worded, in your materials. It is designed to alert systems that, where applicable,
lead service lines might affect the flushing time.
'Customizable versions of these templates are available for download at: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lcrmr/compliancehelp.html
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
General Public Education Notice and ListServ/Email
Announcement Template (Spanish)
The following language meets the revised PE requirements under the 2007 short-term revisions and
clarifications to the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR). Your notice must include the topic areas in bold
below. Anything in italics under each topic area is required language and cannot be changed while anything
in regular text must be covered, but you have the flexibility to use either the suggested language or your own
words to cover these topics.
Your notice must begin with the following opening statement (though you have the option to include a title
of the pamphlet or brochure of your choosing):
ENFORMACION IMPORTAIMTE ACERCA DEL PLOMO EN SU AGUA POTABLE
[Insert name of water system] ha encontrado altos niveles de plomo en el agua potable de algunos domiciliosy
edificios. El plomo puede causar serios problemas a la salud, especialmente a las mujeres encintas y a los ninos de 6
anos o menores. For favor lea esta informacion atentamente para ver que puede hacer para reducir el plomo en su
agua potable.
Efectos del plomo en la salud
El plomo puede causar serios problemas de salud si cantidades excesivas provenientes del agua potable, u otras
fuentes, se introducen en su cuerpo. Puede danar al cerebro y a los rinones y tambien puede interferir en la
produccion de globulos rojos que transportan oxigeno a todas las paries de su cuerpo. El riesgo mas serio de
exposicion al plomo es para los infantes, los ninos de baja edady las mujeres encintas. Los cienttficos ban conectado
los efectos del plomo en el cerebro con coefidentes de inteligencia mas reducidos en los ninos. Niveles bajos de plomo
tienen un mayor efecto en los adultos con problemas de rinon y de alta presion sanguinea que en los adultos sanos.
El plomo se almacena en los huesos y puede ser dispersado mas tarde en la vida. Durante el embarazo, el bebe
recibeplomo proveniente de los huesos maternos lo cualpuede afectar el desarrollo de su cerebro.
Fuentes del plomo
El plomo es un metal comiin que se encuentra en el medio ambiente. El agua potable es una posible fuente
de exposicion al plomo. Las fuentes principales de exposicion al plomo radican en la pintura con plomo,
la tierra o el polvo contaminado con plomo y ciertos materiales de fontaneria. Ademas, el plomo puede
encontrarse en ciertos tipos de ceramica, peltre, accesorios de laton, alimentos y de productos cosmeticos.
Otras fuentes de exposicion incluyen el lugar de trabajo y la exposicion asociada con ciertos pasatiempos
(es posible transportar plomo en la ropa o los zapatos). El plomo se halla en algunos juguetes, equipos de
parques infantiles y en ciertas joyas metalicas para ninos.
Los grifos, los accesorios y las valvulas de laton, inclusive las que se anuncian estar "sin plomo," pueden
contribuir al plomo en el agua potable. En la actualidad la ley permite que los accesorios de uso final de
laton, tales como los grifos, cuyo tenor puede tener hasta 8 por ciento de plomo, puedan etiquetarse "sin
plomo."
[Insert utility specific information describing your community's source water - e.g. "The source of water
from XX Reservoir does not contain lead" or "Community X does not have any lead in its source water
or water mains in the street."] Cuando el agua entra en contacto con tuberias [o lineas de servicio] o con
fontaneria que contiene plomo y durante varias horas, el plomo puede introducirse en el agua potable. Las
casas construidas antes de 1988 suelen tener tuberias de plomo o soldaduras de plomo.
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
La EPA calcula que de 10 a 20 por ciento de la exposicion posible de una persona al plomo puede provenir
del agua potable. Los infantes que consumen mayormente formula para bebes mezclada con agua que
contiene plomo pueden ingerir con el agua potable hasta entre 40 y 60 por ciento de su exposicion al plomo.
No se olvide que existen otras fuentes de plomo tales como la pintura con contenido de plomo, el polvo de
plomo y el plomo en la tierra. Lave las manos de sus hijos y los juguetes a menudo ya que pueden entrar en
contacto con el polvo y la suciedad que contienen plomo.
Medidas que listed puede emprender para reducir su exposicion al plomo en el
agua
1. Deje correr el agua para eliminar el plomo. Deje correr el agua unos 15 a 30 segundos, si no se ha
utilizado en varias horas, para eliminar el plomo de la fontaneria interior [or insert a different flushing
time if your system has representative data indicating a different flushing time would better reduce lead
exposure in your community and if the State Primacy Agency approves the wording] o hasta que se
enfrfe o alcance una temperatura constante antes de utilizar el agua para beber o cocinar. [It is likely that
systems with lead service lines will need to collect data to determine the appropriate flushing time for
lead service lines.]'
2. Utilice agua fria para cocinar y para preparar la formula para bebes. No cocine ni beba agua del grifo de
agua caliente ya que el plomo se disuelve mas facilmente en agua caliente. No utilice el grifo de agua caliente para
preparar la formula para bebes.
3. No hierva el agua para eliminar plomo. El agua hervida no reduce el plomo.
4. Busque otras fuentes o formas de tratar el agua. Usted puede comprar agua en botellas o un filtro de
agua. Lea el embalaje para cerciorarse de que el filtro esta aprobado para reducir el plomo, o pongase en
contacto con NSF International, marcando el 800-NSF-8010 6 visite www.nsf.org para mas informacion
sobre las normas de rendimiento de los filtros de agua. Asegiirese de mantener y de reemplazar el
dispositive filtrante conforme a las instrucciones del fabricante para proteger la calidad del agua.
5. Pida que se analice su agua para saber si tiene plomo. Llamenos al [insert phone number for your
water system] para saber como obtener un analisis del plomo en su agua. [Include information on your
water system's testing program. For example, do you provide free testing? Are there labs in your area that
are certified to do lead in water testing?]
6. Pida un analisis de la sangre de sus hijos. Pongase en contacto con el departamento de salud de su
zona o con su proveedor de atencion medica para saber como puede obtener un analisis de sangre de su
hijo si es que le preocupa una posible exposicion.
7. Identifique y reemplace el equipo de fontaneria que contenga plomo. Los grifos, los accesorios y las
valvulas de laton, inclusive las que se anuncian estar "sin plomo", pueden contribuir al plomo en el agua
potable. En la actualidad la ley permite que los accesorios de uso final de laton, tales como los grifos,
cuyo tenor puede tener hasta 8 por ciento de plomo, puedan etiquetarse "sin plomo". Visite el sitio
Internet en www.nsf.org para aprender mas acerca de los equipos de fontaneria que contienen plomo.
cQue paso?
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
[insert information about lead service lines in your community, how a consumer can find out if they have a
lead service line, what your water system is doing to replace lead service lines, etc.]
[Insert information about the history of lead levels in tap water samples in your community. For example,
have they declined substantially over time? Have the been low and risen recently? Is there a known reason
for any lead level changes?]
Para mas information
Lldmenos al [Insert Number] (if applicable) 6 visite nuestro sitio Internet [insert Web site Here]. Para mas
information sobre la reduction de la exposition alplomo en su hogar/edificio y los efectos delplomo, visite el sitio
Internet de EPA en www.epa.gov/lead o pongase en contacto con suproveedor de atencion medica.
[We recommend you include the name of your system and the date that the information is being distributed,
along with the water system ID, somewhere on the notice.]
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
Web Site Announcement Template
Large community water systems (serving greater than 100,000 people) are required to provide a Public
Education notice on a publicly accessible Web site. The following language can serve as an announcement on
the Web site, but to meet the revised PE requirements under the 2007 short-term revisions and clarifications
to the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR), large CWSs should include a link to their General Public Education
Notice, which includes all of the required language. Refer to page 45 of this Appendix for the General
Public Education Notice template. Small systems are also encouraged to utilize electronic information
dissemination where available.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT LEAD IN YOUR DRINKING WATER
[Insert name of your water system] found elevated levels of lead in drinking water in some homes/
buildings in our community. Lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and
children 6 years and younger. Please read the following notice [insert link to Public Education Notice]
closely to see what you can do to reduce lead in your drinking water and to learn what [Insert name of
your water system] is doing to address this problem.
Call us at [insert your water system phone number] for more information Date [Insert the date posted]
[Provide your system's General Public Education Notice here or link to it within your Web site.]
Web Site Announcement Template (Spanish)
Large community water systems (serving greater than 100,000 people) are required to provide a Public
Education notice on a publicly accessible Web site. The following language can serve as an announcement
on the Web site, but to meet the revised PE requirements under the 2007 short-term revisions and
clarifications to the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR), large CWSs should include a link to their General
Public Education Notice, which includes all of the required language. Refer to page 47 of this Appendix
for the General Public Education Notice template. Small systems are also encouraged to utilize electronic
information dissemination where available.
INFORMACION IMPORTANTE ACERCA DEL PLOMO EN SU AGUA POTABLE
[Insert name of your water system] ha encontrado altos niveles de plomo en el agua potable de
algunos domicilios y edificios en su comunidad. El plomo puede causar serios problemas a la salud,
especialmente a las mujeres encintas y a los ninos de 6 afios o menores. Por favor lea el siguiente aviso
[insert link to Public Education Notice] detenidamente y aprenda que puede hacer para reducir el
plomo en su agua potable y que hace [Insert name of your water system] para resolver este problema.
Llamenos a [insert your water system phone number] para mas informacion - Fecha [Insert the date
posted]
[Provide your system's General Public Education Notice here or link to it within your Web site.]
'Customizable versions of these templates are available for download at: http://VAvw.epa.gov/safewater/lcrmr/compliancehelp.html
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
Public Service Announcement Template
The latest revisions to the LCR do not require water systems to produce Public Service Announcements.
However, Public Service Announcements are one of the additional activities that large and small water
systems can produce to meet the additional PE requirements (see Table 3). Although you should include the
following information, which is consistent with the PE requirements under the 2007 short-term revisions
and clarifications to the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR), the media outlets may opt to not include all of the
information.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT LEAD IN YOUR DRINKING WATER
[Insert name of water system] found elevated levels of lead in drinking water in some homes/buildings in our
community. Lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and children 6 years and
younger.
Lead is a common metal found in the environment. Drinking water is one possible source of lead exposure.
The main sources of lead exposure are lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust or soil.
The following are some of the steps you can take to reduce your exposure to lead in your water including:
+ Run your water for 15-30 seconds to flush out lead. [Or insert a different flushing time if your
system has representative data indicating a different flushing time would better reduce lead exposure in
your community and if the Primacy Agency approves the wording]
> Use cold water for cooking and preparing baby formula.
* Do not boil water to remove lead.
Call [insert name of your water system] at [insert number] (ifapplicable) or visit our Web site at [insert Web site
Here] to find out how to get your water tested for lead or for more information. For more information on reducing
lead exposure around your home/building and the health effects of lead, visit EPA's Web site at www.epa.gov/lead
or contact your health care provider.
This notice is brought to you by [insert the name of your water system]. State Water System ID# [insert
your water system's ID number] Date [Insert the date distributed]
Customizable versions of these templates are available for download at: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lcrmr/compliancehelp.html
49
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
Public Service Announcement Template (Spanish)
The latest revisions to the LCR do not require water systems to produce Public Service Announcements.
However, Public Service Announcements are one of the additional activities that large and small water
systems can produce to meet the additional PE requirements (see Table 3). Although you should include the
following information, which is consistent with the PE requirements under the 2007 short-term revisions
and clarifications to the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR), the media outlets may opt to not include all of the
information.
INFORMACION IMPORTANTE ACERCA DEL PLOMO EN SU AGUA POTABLE
[Insert name of your water system] ha encontrado altos niveles de plomo en el agua potable de algunos domicilios y
edificios en su comunidad. El plomo puede causar serios problemas a la salud, espedalmente a las mujeres encintas
y a los ninos de 6 anos o menores.
El plomo es un metal comiin que se encuentra en el medio ambiente. El agua potable es una posible fuente
de exposicion al plomo. Las fuentes principales de la exposicion al plomo radican en la pintura que contiene
plomo, la tierra o el polvo contaminado con plomo y ciertos materiales de fontaneria.
A continuacion siguen unos cuantos pasos para ayudarle a reducir su exposicion al plomo en el agua,
inclusive:
> Deje correr el agua para 15-30 segundos para eliminar el plomo. [Or insert a different flushing
time if your system has representative data indicating a different flushing time would better reduce lead
exposure in your community and if the Primacy Agency approves the wording.]
> Utilice agua fri'a para cocinar y para preparar la formula para bebes.
> No hierva el agua para eliminar plomo.
Llame a [insert name of your water system] marcando el [insert number] (si aplica) o visite nuestro sitio Internet
en [insert Web site Here] para aprender como pedir un andlisis de plomo en su agua o para mas informacion. Para
mas informacion sobre la reduccion de la exposicion al plomo en su hogar/edificio y los efectos del plomo, visite el
sitio Internet de EPA en www.epa.gov/lead opongase en contacto con su proveedor de atencion medica.
Esta notification le ha sido entregada por [insertar el nombre de su sistema de aguas]. Niimero de
identification del sistema de aguas del estado [insert your water system's ID number] Fecha [Insert the date
distributed]
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
Press Release Template
The revisions to the LCR PE require systems to provide two press releases per year during a lead action
level exceedance. For small systems, the Primacy Agency can waive this requirement if the system provides
a notice to each household. The following template contains information that is consistent with the LCR
requirements. Providing local information, quotes from a local water system and/or public health official,
and information about actions your system is taking to address the exceedance can help the media to
accurately convey information about the exceedance and your system's action steps. Please note, media
outlets may choose not to include all of the information that you provide in your Press Release.
PRESS RELEASE DRINKING WATER NOTICE
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT LEAD IN [INSERT NAME OF YOUR COMMUNITY]
DRINKING WATER
Recent drinking water quality monitoring conducted by [insert name of water system/community] has found
elevated levels of lead in drinking water in some homes/buildings in [insert name of community or area served
by your water system]. Although the primary sources of lead exposure are lead-based paint and lead-
contaminated dust or soil, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 10 to 20 percent of a
person's potential exposure to lead may come from drinking water.
[Insert name of community] is concerned about the health of their residents because lead can cause serious
health problems if too much enters your body from drinking water or other sources, especially for pregnant women
and children 6 years and younger. It can cause damage to the brain and kidneys, and can interfere with the
production of red blood cells that carry oxygen to all parts of your body. Scientists have linked the effects of lead on
the brain with lowered IQ in children. Adults with kidney problems and high blood pressure can be affected by
low levels of lead more than healthy adults. Lead is stored in the bones and it can be released later in life. During
pregnancy, the child receives lead from the mother's bones, which may affect brain development.
[Insert information about what happened and what is being done? You may wish to include information
about the exceedance and the history of lead levels in tap water samples in your community. For example,
have they declined substantially over time? Have they been low and risen recently? Is there a known reason
for any lead level changes? Explain the steps being taken to reduce lead levels, such as corrosion control
treatment and/or lead service line replacement.]
There are steps you can take to reduce your exposure to lead in your water:
»> Run your water to flush out lead. Run water for 15-30 seconds to flush lead from interior plumbing or
until it becomes cold or reaches a steady temperature before using it for drinking or cooking, if it hasn't
been used for several hours. [It is likely that systems with lead service lines will need to collect data to
determine the appropriate flushing time for lead service lines.]1
+ Use cold water for cooking and preparing baby formula.
* Do not boil water to remove lead. Boiling water will not reduce lead.
> Look for alternative drinking water sources or treatment of water. You may want to consider
purchasing bottled water or a water filter.
* Test your water for lead. Call us at [insert phone number for your water system] to find out how to get
your water tested for lead.
'The bracketed language does not need to be included, as worded, in your materials. It is designed to alert systems that, where applicable,
lead service lines might affect the flushing time.
'Customizable versions of these templates are available for download at: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lcrmr/compliancehelp.html
51
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
* Get your child's blood tested. Contact your local health department or healthcare provider to find out
how you can get your child tested for lead if you are concerned about exposure.
> Identify and replace plumbing fixtures containing lead.
There are several actions that [insert name of water system of community] are taking to address this lead in
drinking water concern. [Insert a quote from a water system official letting the public know what actions
the system is taking to address the lead action level exceedance or insert a list of action steps.]
Call [insert name of your water system] at [insert number] (ifapplicable) or visit [insert name of your water
system ] Web site at [insert Web site Here] to find out how to get your water tested for lead or for more information
on steps [insert name of your water system] is taking to address the lead action level exceedance. For more
information on reducing lead exposure around your home/building and the health effects of lead, visit EPA's Web
site at www.epa.gov/lead or contact your health care provider.
[We recommend you include the name of your system and the date that the information is being distributed,
along with the state water system ID, somewhere on the notice.]
52
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
Press Release Template (Spanish)
The revisions to the LCR PE require systems to provide two press releases per year during a lead action
level exceedance. For small systems, the Primacy Agency can waive this requirement if the system provides
a notice to each household. The following template contains information that is consistent with the
LCR requirements. Providing local information, quotes, from a local water system and/or public health
official, and information about actions your system is taking to address the exceedance can help the media
to accurately convey information about the exceedance and your system's action steps. Please note, media
outlets may choose not to include all of the information that you provide in your Press Release.
COMUNICADO DE PRENSA PARA EL AVISO SOBRE EL AGUA POTABLE
INFORMACION IMPORT ANTE SOBRE EL PLOMO EN EL AGUA POTABLE DE [INSERT
NAME OF YOUR COMMUNITY]
El monitoreo reciente de la calidad del agua potable realizado por [insert name of water system/community]
ha encontrado altos niveles de plomo en el agua potable de algunos hogares/edificios de [insert name of
community or area served by your water system]. Aunque las fuentes principales de exposicion al plomo radican
en la pintura con plomo o en la tierra o el polvo contaminados con plomo, la Agencia de Proteccion del
Medio Ambiente (Environmental Protection Agency, o EPA por sus siglas en ingles) de los Estados Unidos
calcula que de 10 a 20 por ciento de la posible exposicion al plomo de una persona puede provenir del agua
potable.
La salud de sus residentes es de gran importancia para [Insert name of community] debido a que el plomo
puede causar serios problemas de salud si su cuerpo recibe demasiado plomo proveniente del agua potable u
otras fuentes, especialmente en el caso de las mujeres encintasy de los ninos de 6 anos o menores. Puede danar al
cerebro y a los rinones e interferir en la produccion de globulos rojos que transportan oxigeno a todas las panes
de su cuerpo. Los cientificos ban conectado los efectos del plomo en el cerebro con coeficientes de inteligencia mas
reducidos en los ninos. Niveles bajos de plomo tienen un mayor efecto en los adultos con problemas de rinony de
alta presion sanguinea que en los adultos sanos. El plomo se almacena en los huesos y puede ser dispersado mas
tarde en la vida. Durante el embarazo, el bebe recibe plomo proveniente de los huesos maternos lo cualpuede
afectar el desarrollo de su cerebro.
[Insert information about what happened and what is being done? You may wish to include information
about the exceedance and the history of lead levels in tap water samples in your comrnunity. For example,
have they declined substantially over time? Have they been low and risen recently? Is there a known reason
for any lead level changes?] Explain the steps being taken to reduce lead levels, such as corrosion control
treatment and/or lead service line replacement.]
Existen pasos que usted puede seguir para reducir su exposicion al plomo en el agua:
> Deje correr el agua para eliminar el plomo. Deje correr el agua unos 15 a 30 segundos, si no se ha
utilizado en varias horas, para eliminar el plomo de la fontanen'a interior o hasta que se enfrie o alcance
una temperatura constante antes de utilizar el agua para beber o cocinar. [It is likely that systems with lead
service lines will need to collect data to determine the appropriate flushing time for lead service lines.]'
> Utilice agua fria para cocinar y para preparar la formula para bebes.
> No hierva el agua para eliminar plomo. El agua hervida no reduce el plomo.
'The bracketed language does not need to be included, as worded, in your materials. It is designed to alert systems that, where applicable,
lead service lines might affect the flushing time.
"Customizable versions of these templates are available for download at: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lcrmr/compliancehelp.html
53
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
* Busque otras fuentes o formas de tratar el agua. Usted puede comprar agua en botellas o un filtro de
agua.
> Pida que se analice su agua para saber si tiene plomo. Llamenos al [insert phone number for your
water system] para saber como obtener un analisis del plomo en su agua.
> Pida un analisis de la sangre de sus hijos. Pongase en contacto con el departamento de salud de su zona
o con su proveedor de atencion medica para saber como puede obtener un analisis de sangre de su hijo si
es que le preocupa una posible exposicion.
> Identifique y reemplace el equipo de fontaneria que contenga plomo.
Existen varias medidas que [insert name of water system of community] ha emprendido para resolver este
tema del plomo en el agua potable. [Insert a quote from a water system official letting the public know what
actions the system is taking to address the lead action level exceedance or insert a list of action steps.]
Llame a [insert name of your water system] marcando el [insert number] (si aplica) o visite elsitio Internet de
[insert name of your water system ] en [insert Web site Here] para aprender como puede pedir un analisis del plomo
en su agua o para mas informacion sobre los pasos que emprende [insert name of your water system] para resolver
la excedencia del nivel de accion para el plomo. Para mas informacion sobre la reduccion de la exposicion al
plomo en su hogar/edificio y los efectos del plomo, visite el sitio Internet de EPA en www.epa.gov/leado
pongase en contacto con su proveedor de atencion medica.
[We recommend you include the name of your system and the date that the information is being distributed
along with the state water system ID, somewhere on the notice.]
54
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
Water Bill Language/Insert Template
The following paragraph includes language that meets the LCR PE requirements and must be included in
water bill notification in the event of a lead action level exceedance; however, you should consult with the
Primacy Agency because the rule allows the Primacy Agency to allow alternate message content and delivery
mechanisms. Please note, the following statement may be placed directly on the water bill itself or included
as an insert.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT LEAD IN YOUR DRINKING WATER
[Insert name of your water system] found high levels of lead in drinking water in some homes. Lead can cause
serious health problems. For more information, please call [insert name and phone number of water system]
or visit [insertyour Web site].
Water Bill Language/Insert Template (Spanish)
The following paragraph includes language that meets the LCR PE requirements and must be included in
water bill notification in the event of a lead action level exceedance; however, you should consult with the
Primacy Agency because the rule allows the Primacy Agency to allow alternate message content and delivery
mechanisms. Please note, the following statement may be placed directly on the water bill itself or included
as an insert.
INFORMACION IMPORTANTE ACERCA DEL PLOMO EN SU AGUA POTABLE
[Insert name of your water system] ha encontrado altos niveles de plomo en el agua potable de algunos hogares.
Elplomo puede tenergraves consecuencias para la salud. Para mas informacion, porfavor llame a [insert
name and phone number of water system] 6 visite [insert your Web site].
55
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
Public Education Brochure
4. Look for alternative sources or treatment
of water. You may wanl to ^ -
consider purchasing bottled water
or a water filter. Read the package
to be sure the filter is approved to
reduce lead or contact NSF
International at 800-NSF-8010 or
'iiv<*.«x!.(tr<; for information on
performance standards for water
filters. Be sure to maintain and
replace a filter device in
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions
to protect water quality.
5. Test your water for lead. Call us at [insert
phone number for your water system] to find out
how to get your water tested for lead, [include
information on your water
system's testing program. For
example, do you provide free
testing? Are there labs in your
area that are certified to do lead
in water testing?]
6. Get your child's blood tested. Contact your
local health department or healthcare provider to
find out how you can get your child tested for
lead, if you are concerned about exposure
7. Identify and replace plumbing fixtures
containing lead. New brass faucets, fittings.
and valves, including those advertised as "lead-
free," may contribute lead to drinking water.
The law currently allows end-use brass fixtures,
such as faucets, with up to 8% lead to be labeled
as "lead-free-"
WHAT HAPPENED?
WHAT IS BEING DONE?
[Insert information about bow and when the
eiceedance was discovered in your
community and provide information on the
sources) of lead in the drinking water, if
known.)
[Insert information about what your system
is doing to reduce lead levels in homes in your
[Insert information about lead service lines in
your community, how a consumer can find
' out of they have a lead service line, what your
water system is doing to replace lead service
lines, etc.[
[Insert information about the history of lead
levels in tap water samples in your
community. For example, have they declined
substantially over time? Have they been low
and risen recently? Is there a known reason
for any lead level changes?)
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Call us at [Insert Number] (if applicable) or
visit our Web site at [insert Web site Here]. For
more information on reducing lead exposure
around your home/building and the health
effects of lead, visit EPA's Web site at
M '*~v.t'Fu.go\"/riK/, or contact your health care
provider.
[We recommend you include the name of your
system and the date that the information is being
distributed, along with the state water system
ID, somewhere on the notice.]
Lead
in
Dr in kin g
Water
The United Stales Knvironmcntal
Protection Agency (EPA) and [insert
name of water supplier here] are
concerned about lead in your drinking
water. Although most homes have very
low levels of lead in their drinking water,
some homes in the community have lead
levels above the EPA action level of 15
parts per billion (ppb), or 0.015
milligrams of lead per liter of water
(mg/L). Under Federal law we are
required to have a program in place to
minimize lead in your drinking water by
{insert date when corrosion control will
be completed for your system].
This program includes:
1. Corrosion control treatment (treating
the water to make it less likely that lead
will dissolve into the water);
2. Source water treatment (removing any
lead that is in the water at the time it
leaves our treatment facility); and
3. A public education program.
We are also required to replace the
portion of each lead service line that we
own if the line contributes lead
concentrations of more than 15 ppb after
we have completed the comprehensive
treatment program. If you have any
questions about how we are carrying out
the requirements of the lead regulation
please give us a call at [insert water
system's phone number here].
This brochure also explains the simple
steps you can take to protect yourself by
reducing your exposure to lead in
drinking water.
Important InfHrmJliun abvtil l.rari in Your
Drinking Water
{Insert name of water system] found elevated
levels of lead in drinking water in some
homes/buildings. Lead can cause serious health
problems, especially for pregnant women and
young children. Please read this information
closely to see what you can do to reduce lead in
your drinking water.
r shoes),
Lead is found in sonic toys, so
some childrc
HEALTH EFFECTS OF LEAD
Lead can cause serious health problems if too
much enters your body from drinking water or
other sources. It can cause damage to the brain
and kidneys, and can interfere with the
production of red blood cells that carry oxygen
to all parts of vour body. The greatest risk of
lead exposure is to infants, young children, and
pregnant women. Scientists have linked the
effects of lead on the brain with lowered IQ in
children. Adults with kidney problems and high
blood pressure can be affected by low levels of
lead more than healthy adults. Lead is stored in
the bones and it can be released later in life.
During pregnancy, the child receives lead from
the mother's bones, which may affect brain
development.
SOURCES OF LEAD
Lead is a common metal found in the
environment. Drinking water is one possible
source of lead exposure. The main sources of
lead exposure are lead-based paint and lead-
contaminated dust or soil, and some plumbing
materials. In addition, lead can be found in
certain types of pottery, pewter, brass fixtures,
food, and cosmetics. Other sources include
exposure in the work place and exposure from
certain hobbies (lead can be carried on clothing
playground cquipmci
metal jewelry.
Brass faucets, fittings, and valves, including
those advertised as "lead-free," may contribute
lead to drinking water. The law currently allows
end-use brass fixtures, such as faucets, with up
to 8 percent lead to be labeled as "lead-free."
[C'WS - Insert utility specific information
describing your community's source water - e.g.
'The source of water from XX Reservoir does
not contain lead" or "Community X does not
have any lead in its source water or water mains
in the street."] When water is in contact with
pipes [or service lines], and plumbing
containing lead for several hours, the lead may
enter drinking water. Homes built before 1988
are more likely to have lead pipes or lead solder.
EPA estimates that 10 to 20 percent of a
person's potential exposure to lead may come
from drinking water. Infants who consume
mostly formula mixed with lead-containing
water can receive 40 to 60 percent of their
exposure to lead from drinking water.
Don't forget about other sources of lead such as
lead paint, lead dust, and lead in soil. Wash your
children's hands and toys often as they can
come into contact with dirt and dust containing
lead.
STKPS YOU CAN TAKK TO HEDUCK
YOUR EXPOSURE TO LKAD IN YOUR
WATER
I. Run your water to flush
out lead. Run water for 15-
30 seconds to flush lead from
- interior plumbing [or insert a
ft different flushing time if
your system has
data indicating a different
tuld better reduce lead exposure
nity and if the State Primacy
Agency approves the- wording] or until ii
becomes cold or reaches a steady temperature
before using it for drinking or cooking, if it
hasn't been used for several hours. [It is likely
that systems with lead service lines will need to
collect data to determine the appropriate
flushing time for lead service lines.]1
2. Use cold water for cooking
and preparing baby formula.
Do not cook with or drink
water from the hot water tap;
lead dissolves more easily into
hot water. Do not use water
from the hot water tap to make
baby formula.
3. Do not boil water to remove lead. Boiling
water will not reduce lead.
'The bracketed language does not need to be included, as worded, in your materials. It is designed to alert systems that, where applicable,
lead service lines might affect the flushing time.
'Customizable versions of these templates are available for download at: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lcrmr/compliancehelp.html
56
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
Public Education Brochure (Spanish)
los filtros de agua. Asegurese de mantener y de
reemplazar el dispositivo filirame conionne a las
instrucciones del tabricante para proteger la
calidad del agua.
5. Pida que se analke su agua para saber si
tienc plomo. Llamenos al (insert phone number
for your waler system] para saber como obtener un
analisis del plomo en su agua
[Include information on your
water system's testing program.
For example, do you provide
free testing? Are there labs in
your area that are certified to do lead in waler
testing?)
6. Pida un analisis de la sangre de sus hijos.
Pongase en contacto con el departamento dc salud
de su zona o con su proveedor de atencion medica
para saber como puede obtener un analisis de
sangre de su hijo si es que le preocupa una posibte
7. Identifique y reetnplace el equipo de
funtaneria que contenga plomo. Los grifos, los
accesorios y las valvulas dc laton, inclusive las que
se anuncian estar "sin plomo", pueden contribuir
al plomo en el agua potable. En la actualidad la ley
permite que los accesorios de uso final de Iat6n,
tales como los grifos, cuyo tenor puede tener hasta
8 por ciento de plomo. puedan etiquelarse "sin
plomo". Visile el sitio Internet en w\v»v.i!.s!.or^
para aprender mas acerca de los equipos dc
fontaneria que conlienen plomo.
iQUE PASO? iQUE SE ESTA
HACIENDO?
(Insert infurmatiun ahoul how and when
the exceedance was discovered in your
community and provide information on the
source(s) of lead in the drinking water, in
known.]
(insert information about what your system
is doing to reduce lead levels in homes in
community.]
(Insert information about lead service lines
in your community, how a consumer can
find out if they have a lead service line,
what your water system is doing to replace
lead service lines, etc.]
(Insert information about the history of lead
levels in lap water samples in your
community. For example, have they declined
substantially over time? Have they been low
and risen recently? Is there a known reason
for any lead level changes?)
PARA MAS INFORM AC l6N
Llamenos al (Insert Number] (if applicable) 6
visile nueslro sitio Internet [insert Web site Here].
Para mas information sobre la reduction de la
exposition al plomo en su hogar/edifitio v los
ejecios del plomo, visile el sitio Iniernei de EPA en
\vw,y.ep3.}J ov/lead a pongase en contacto con su
proveedor de atencion medica
[We recommend you include the name of your
system and the date that the information is being
distributed, along with the water system ID,
somewhere on the notice.]
Plomo en
el Agua
Potable
LI plomo en su agua potable es un Icnin
important para la Agenda de Protection del
Medio Ambiente (Tinvironmental Protection
Agency, o FPA por sus siglas en ingles) y
[insert nami-of water supplier hcre|. Aunque
el nivel de plomo es muy bajo en cl agua potable
dc la mayoria dc hogares, algunos domicilios en
la comunidad lienen niveles de plomo que
exceden el nivel de ace ion de EPA de 15 paries
por mil millones (ppb). es decir 0,015
miligramos dc plomo por litro de agua (mg/L).
En virtud de la Icy federal, dcbcmos
implementar un programa que minimicc el
plomo en su agua potable antes de [insert date
when corrosion control will be completed for
your system].
Esle programa incluye:
1. un tratamtento de control de la corrosion
(el agua tratada evita mejor que el plomo
se dtsuelva en el agua);
2. el tratarniento del agua de origen
(eliminacion del plomo en el agua cuando
sale de nuestra instalacion de
tratamiento); y
3. un programa de educacion publics
Tambien debemos reemplazar la parte de cada
liaea de servicio de plomo de la que somos
propietarios cuando dicha Imea contribuye
coDcentraciones de plomo que exceden 15 pbb
tras realizar el programa de tratamiento integral.
Si tiene cualquier pregunta sobre nuestra forma
de cumplir con los requisitos del reglamento
sobre el plomo no dude en llamarnos al [insert
water system's phone number here].
Este folleto tambien ex plica pasos senciilos que
listed puede emprender para protegerse al
reducir la exposicion al plomo en el agua
potable.
1M ORVUCION IMPORTANT?. ACKKCA
IMC!, JM.OMO KN SU M;V\ I'OI \\Kl.V.
(Insert name o/ water xrslwnj ha eniontrado
altos nivrli-s de /iliintu en t'l ti^uu potable de
alfiuiiox domicilios v ecti/ici».\ El plomo puede
ctiustir st'i'iux problemus u In .wind.
especialuientc a las mujvrea cncintas v u los
ninox peqiwnos. Si' mega lea csin informal.'ion
aientamente para ver que puede hacer para
reducir i'l plomo en su tiguu potable
EFECTOS DEL PLOMO EN LA SALUD
El plomo puede causar serum problemax de
salud si cantidades excesivM proveniences del
agua potable, u .otras fuentes. se inlroducen en
su cuerpo. Puede danar al cere'bro y a los
rinones e interferir en la produccion de globulos
rojos que transportan oxigeno a todas las panes
al plomo es para los infantes, los ninos de ba}a
edad y las mu/eres encintas Los cientificos han
conectado los efectos del plomo en el cerebro
con coeficientes de inteligencia mas reducidos
en los ninos. Niveles bajos de plomo tienen un
mayor efecto en los adultos con problemas de
adultos sanos. El plomo se almacena en los
huesos y puede ser dispersado mas tarde en la
vida. Durante el embarazo. el be be red be
plomo proveniente de los huesos maternos lo
cual puede afeciar el desarrollo de su cerebro.
FUENTES DEL PLOMO
El plomo es un metal comiin qui
el medio ambiente. El agua potable es una posible
fuente de exposicion al plomo. Las fuentes
pnncipales de exposicion al plomo radican en la
pintura con plomo, la tierra o el polvo
contaminado con plomo y cierlos materials de
Los grifos, los accesorios y las valvulas de laton,
inclusive las que se anuncian estar "sin plomo",
pueden contribuir al plomo en el agua potable. En
la actualidatl la ley permite que los accesorios de
uso final de laton, tales como los grifos. cuyo tenor
puede tener hasta 8 por ciento de plomo, puedan
etiquelarsc "sin plomo".
[Insert utility specific information describing your
community's source water - e.g. "The source of
water from XX Reservoir does not contain lead"
or "Community X does not have any lead in its
source water or water mains in the street."]
Cuando el agua entra en contacto con tuberias [o
lineas de servicio] o con fontaneria que contiene
plomo y durante v arias horas, el plomo puede
introducirsc en el agua potable. Las casas
construidas antes de 1988 suelen lener tuberias de
plomo o soldaduras de plomo.
La EPA calcula que de 10 a 20 por ciento de la
exposicion posible de una persona al plomo puede
provenir del agua potable. Los infantes que
consumer mayonnente formula para bebes
mezclada con agua que contiene plomo pueden
ingerir con el agua potable hasta enlre 40 y 60 por
ciento de su exposicion al plomo.
No se olvide que existen otras fuenies de plomo
tales como la pintura con conlenido de plomo, el
polvo de plomo y el plomo en la lierra. Lave las
manos de sus hijos y los juguetes a menudo ya que
pueden entrar en contacto con el polvo y la
suciedad que con lien en plomo.
MEDIDAS QUE USTED PUEDE
EMPRENOER PARA REDUCIR SU
EXPOSICION AL PLOMO EN EL AGUA
1. Dcji1 cnrrcr tl agua para eliminar el pin mo.
Deje correr el agua unos 15 a 311
v'.K, segundos, si no se ha uuli/ado en
/ «. vanas horas, para eliminiir el plomo de
la fonianeria interior (or insert a
different flushing time if your
*tem has representative
data indicating a different
flushing lime would better
reduce lead exposure in your
community and if the State
Primacy Agency approves the wording] o hastu
que se en trie o alcanc'e una temperatura constanle
anies de utilizar el agua para beber o cocinar (I' *s
likely that systems with lead service lines wilt
need to collect data to determine the appropriate
flushing time for lead service lines.]1
2. Utilice agua fria para
cocinar y para preparar la
formula para bebes. No cocme
ni beba agua del grifo de agua
caliente ya que el plomo se
disuelve mas facilmente en agua
caliente. No utilice el grifo de
agua caliente para preparar la formula para bebes.
3. Nn hierva el agua para eliminar plnmo El
agua hervida no reduce el plomo.
4. Busque otras fuentes o formas de tratar el
agua. Usted puede comprar agua
en bolellas o un filtro de agua. Lea
el embalaje para cerciorarse de que
el filtro esta aprobado para reducir
el plomo, o pongase en contacto con
NSF International, marcando el
800-NSF-8010 6 visile
^ i Tibi i ig para mas informacion
sobre las normas de rendimiento de
'The bracketed language does not need to be included, as worded, in your materials. It is designed to alert systems that, where applicable,
lead service lines might affect the flushing time.
"Customizable versions of these templates are available for download at: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lcrmr/compliancehelp.html
57
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
Public Education Poster
H Important Information about Lead in Your Drinking Water I
[Insert name of water system] found elevated levels of lead in drinking water in some homes/buildings. Lead can cause serious j
health problems, especially for pregnant
reduce lead in your drinking water.
Lead can cause serious health problems if
too much enters your body from drinking
water or other sources. It can cause
damage to the brain and kidneys, and can
interfere with the production of red blood
cells that carry oxygen to all parts of your
body. The greatest risk of lead exposure is
to infants, young children, and pregnant
women. Scientists have linked the effects of
lead on the brain with lowered IQ in
children. Adults with kidney problems and
high blood pressure can be affected by low
levels of lead more than healthy adults.
Lead is stored in the bones and it can be
released later in life. During pregnancy,
the child receives lead from the mother 's
bones. which may affect brain
development.
^H Sources of Lead 1
Lead is a common metal found in the
environment. Drinking water is one
possible source of lead exposure. The main
sources of lead exposure are lead-based
paint and lead-contaminated dust or soil.
and some plumbing materials. In addition.
lead can be found in certain types of
pottery, pewter, brass fixtures, food, and
cosmetics. Other sources include exposure
in the work place and exposure from
certain hobbies (lead can be carried on
clothing or shoes). Lead is lound in some
toys, some playground equipment, and
some children's metal jewelry.
Brass faucets, fittings, and valves.
including those advertised as "lead-free,"
may contribute lead to drinking water. The
law currently allows end-use brass fixtures,
such as faucets, with up to 8 percent lead to
be labeled as "lead-free."
[CWS-lnsert utility specific information
describing your community's source water
- e.g. "The source of water from XX
Reservoir does not contain lead" or
"Community X does not have any lead in
its source water or water mains in the
street."] When water is in contact with
pipes [or service lines], and plumbing
containing lead for several hours, the lead
may enter drinking water. Homes built
before 1988 are more likely to have lead
pipes or lead solder.
EPA estimates that 10 to 20 percent of a
person's potential exposure to lead may
come from drinking water. Infants who
consume mostly formula mixed with lead-
containing water can receive 40 to 60
percent of their exposure to lead from
drinking water. Don't forget about other
sources of lead such as lead paint, lead
dust, and lead in soil. Wash your children's
hands and toys often as they can come into
contact with dirt and dust containing lead.
vomen and young children. Please read this in.
jBiiiaiaiiflii^
1. Run your water to flush out lead. Run
water for 15-30 seconds to
OlL flush lead from interior
FW'V*"' plumbing [or insert a
\:;>x^ different flushing time if
h
^ ""ft i rt - d t
jLffiW*Tu' A' t" d'tr
ffsE*~yyfo fi H H id
i^P^^^^ & ms me ° *
ff^ffrr * better reduce lead
"^ exposure in your
community and if the State Primacy
Agency approves the wording] or until it
temperature before using it for drinking or
cooking, if it hasn't been used for several
hours. [It is likely that systems with lead
service lines will need to collect data to
determine the appropriate flushing time for
lead service lines.]1
2. Use cold water for cooking and
preparing baby formula. Do not cook
with or drink water from the hoi water tap;
lead dissolves more easily into hot water.
Do not use water from the hot water tap to
4. Look for alternative sources or
treatment of walcr. You may want to
consider purchasing bottled water or a
water filler Read the package to be sure
the filter it. approved to reduce lead or
contact NSK International at SOO-NSF-
performance standards for water fillers. Be
sure to maintain and replace a filter device
in accordance with the manufacturer's
ins rue ions to protect water quality.
5. Test your water for lead. Call us at
( insert phone number for your water
system] to find out how to get
your water tested for lead. 1 1
[Include information on your \ u \
water system's testing li-nun/""" \
program. For example, do you '""'v^-)
provide free testing? Are there
labs in your area that are certified to do
lead in water testing?]
6. Get your child's blood tested. Contact
your local health department or healthcare
provider to find out how you can get your
child tested for lead, if you are concerned
7. Identify and replace plumbing fixtures
containing lead. Brass faucets, fittings.
and valves, including those advertised as
"lead- free," may contribute lead to
drinking water. The law currently allows
end-use brass fixtures, such as faucets, with
up to 8% lead to be labeled as "lead-free."
ormation closely to see what you can do to \
[Insert information about how and when
the exceedance was discovered in your
community and provide information on the
sources) of lead in the drinking water, if
known.]
[Insert information about what your system
is doing to reduce lead levels in homes in
your community.]
[Insert information about lead service lines
find out of they have a lead service line,
what your water system is doing to replace
lead service lines, etc.]
[Insert information about the history of
lead levels in tap water samples in your
community. For example, have they
declined substantially over time? Have they
been low and risen recently? Is there a
known reason for any lead level changes?)
For More Information ^^H
^fl
Call us at f Insert Number] (if applicable)
or visit our Web site at {insert Web site
Here}. For more information on reducing
lead exposure around your home/building
and the health effects of lead, visit EPA 's
Web site at ww.fpt!.gi'V'lii&d, or contact
your health care provider.
[We recommend you include the name of
your system and the date that the
information is being distributed, along with
the state water system ID, somewhere on
the notice.]
'The bracketed, language does not need to be included, as worded, in your materials. It is designed to alert systems that, where applicable,
lead service lines might affect the flushing time.
"Customizable versions of these templates are available for download at: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lcrmr/compliancehelp.html
58
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
Public Education Poster (Spanish)
INFORMACION IMPORT A NTE ACE RCA DEL
PLOMO EN SU AGUA POTABLE
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^l^a^a^aMH
[Insert name of water system] ha encontrado altos niveles de plomo en el agua potable de algunos domicilios y edificios. El
plomo puede causar serios problemas a la salud, especialmente a las mujeres encintas y a los n/rtos pequenos. Por favor
lea esta information atentamente para ver que puede hacer para reducir el plomo en su agua potable
El plomo puede causar serios problemos de
salud si cantidades excesivas provenienies
del agua potable, u otras fiiente.t. se
inlroducen en su cuerpo. Puede danar al
cerebro y a los nnones y tambien puede
inierferir en la produccion de globulos rojns
que transportan oxigeno a todas las paries de
su cuerpo. El riesgo mas serio de exposicion
al plomo es para los infantes, los ninos de
baja edady las mujere.s encintas. Los
cientificos han coneciado los efectos del
tnieligertcia mas reditcidot, en to* nima,
efeclo en los adultos con probiemas dc rifmn
adullos sanas. El plomo se almaceixi en io\
huesos y puede .vtT dispersado mu.\ tardf i-is
la vida. Duranit- cl emburazo, el hchc n-cih.-
cual pucdf afcctar rl det>arnilli> dc su
ct-rt-bro.
I'ueolo del plomo
lil plomo es un metal coiniin que so cm-uenira
en el medio amliiente. HI agua potable es una
posihle fuenle de exposicion al plomo. I .as
fuentes principales de exposicion al plomo
radical! en la pintura con plomo. la I terra n cl
polvo conlaminado con plomo y cicrtos
maleriales dc fontaneria Ademas. cl plomo
puede enconlrarse en cierlos lipos tic
ceramic^, pelire. accesonos dc lalon.
ulimenlos y de produclos cosmeticos. {)tras
fuentes de exposicion incluyen el lugar dc
Irabajo y la expasicion asociada con cicrlns
pasaliempos (es posible Iransportar plomo en
la ropa o los zapatos). HI plomo se hall a en
algunos jugueies, equipos de parques
infanlilcs y en ciertas joyas metahcas para
ninos.
Los grifos, los accesorios y las valvulas ik-
lalon, inclusive las que se anuncian estai "sin
plomo," pueden conlribuir al plomo en el
agua potable. En la aclualidad la ley permilc
que los accesorios de uso final de laton. tales
como los grifos, cuyo tenor puede lener hasta
K por ciento de plomo, puedan etiquetarse
'sin plomo."
[Insert utility specific information describing
your community's source water - e.g. "The
source of water from XX Reservoir does not
contain lead" or "Community X does not
have any lead in its source waier or w aler
mains in the street."] Cuando el agua enlra en
conlaclo con tuberias (o lineas de servicio] o
con fontaneria que contiene plomo y duranle
varias horas, el plomo puede mtroduurse en
el agua potable. Las casas constniidas anles
de 1988 suelen lener tuberias de plomo o
soldaduras de plomo.
La EPA calcula que de 10 a 20 por cienlo de
la exposicion posible de una persona al plomo
puede proventr del agua potable. Los infantes
que consumer! mayormente formula para
bebes mezclada con agua que conliene plomo
pueden ingerir con el agua potable hasta entre
40 y 60 por cienlo de su exposicion al plomo.
No se olvide que existen otras fuentes de
plomo tales como la pintura con contenido de
plomo, el polvo de plomo y el plomo en la
tierra Lave las manos de sus hijos y los
juguetes a menudo ya que pueden entrar en
contacto con el polvo y la suciedad que
coniienen plomo.
Medhlasque nslc reduce el plomo.
4. Bu*que olras fuentes o for mas de Iratar
el auua Usted puede comprar agua en
hitiL'Hus o un tiltro de agua. Lea el embalaje
para ccrcior.irse de que el filtro esta aprobado
para rt.uliii.ir el plomo. o piingase en contaclo
con NSh Imcmational, marcando el 800-
inloniiaciun sobre las normas de rendimienlo
de IDS liliros dt agua. Asegurese de mantener
y de reemplazur el dispositivo filtrante
conlonne a las instruct I ones del fabricante
para prtrteger la cahdad del agua.
*. Pida que w analice su
agua para saber si dene
plomo Llamenos al [insert
phone number tor your water
system 1 para saber como
obiener un analisis del plomo en su agua.
[Include information on your water system's
testing program for example, do you provide
free testing? Are there labs in. your area thai
are certified to do lead in water testing?]
6. Pida un analisis de la sangre de sus hijos.
Pongase en contacto con el departamento de
salud de su zona o gon su proveedor de
atencion medica para saber como puede
obtener un analisis de sangre de su hijo si es
que le preocupa una posible exposicion.
7. Identifique y reemplace el equipo de
fontaneria que contenga plomo. Los grifos,
los accesorios y las valvulas de laton,
inclusive las que se anuncian eslar "sin
plomo", pueden conlribuir al plomo en el
agua potable En la actual idad la ley permite
que los accesorios de uso final de laton, tales
como los grifos, cuyo tenor puede tener hasta
8 por ciento de plomo, puedan etiquetarse
"sin plomo". Visile el sitio Internet en
w-vv w _nsl_^rg para aprender mas acerca de los
equipos de fontaneria que connenen njomo.
[Insert intbnnalion about how and when
the exeecdance was discovered in your
community and provide information on the
sotirce(s) of lead in the drinking water, in
| Insert information about what your system
is doing to reduce lead levels in homes m
[Insert information about lead service lines
in your community, how a consumer can .
find out if they have a lead service line.
whal your water system is doing to replace
lead service lines, etc.]
[Insert information about the history of
lead levels in tap water samples in your
community. For example, have they
declined substantially over time? Have
they been low and risen recently? Is there
a known reason for any lead level
changes?]
Para urns infortnmcMn
Llamenos al [Insert Number] (if applicable)
6 visile miestro silio Internet [insert Web
site Here], Para max injormacion sobre la
reduction de la exposicion al plomo en su
hogar'edi/icio y los ejectos dei plomo.
visile el sitio Internet de EPA en
\r\\T,.epn gfn','!c:ad o pongase en contacto
con su proveedor de atencion medica.
'The bracketed language does not need to be included, as worded, in your materials. It is designed to alert systems that, where applicable,
lead service lines might affect the flushing time.
'Customizable versions of these templates are available for download at: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lcrmr/compliancehelp.html
59
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
Consumer Notice of Tap Water Results Template for
Community Water Systems
[Information in italics is required/mandatory language and cannot be changed]
[Select the appropriate number from the 6 possible options]
Dear (Consumer's Name),
[Insert name of your water system] appreciates your participation in the lead tap monitoring program. A
lead level of [insert data from the laboratory analysis of the sample collected-make sure the value is in pbb]
was reported for the sample collected on [date] at your location, [insert address of customer].
1. Your result, as well as the 90th percentile value for our water system, is below the lead action level of 15
parts per billion.
What Does This Mean?
Under the authority of the Safe Drinking Water Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
set the action level for lead in drinking water at 15 ppb. This means utilities must ensure that water from
the customer's tap does not exceed this level in at least 90 percent of the homes sampled (90th percentile
value). The action level is the concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other
requirements which a water system must follow. If water from the tap does exceed this limit, then the utility
must take certain steps to correct the problem. Because lead may pose serious health risks, the EPA set a
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) of zero for lead. The MCLG is 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.
What Are The Health Effects of Lead?
Lead can cause serious health problems if too much enters your body from drinking water or other sources.
It can cause damage to the brain and kidneys, and can interfere with the production of red blood cells that
carry oxygen to all parts of your body. The greatest risk of lead exposure is to infants, young children, and
pregnant women. Scientists have linked the effects of lead on the brain with lowered IQin children. Adults
with kidney problems and high blood pressure can be affected by low levels of lead more than healthy
adults. Lead is stored in the bones, and it can be released later in life. During pregnancy, the child receives
lead from the mother's bones, which may affect brain development.
What Are The Sources of Lead?
The primary sources of lead exposure for most children are deteriorating lead-based paint, lead-
contaminated dust, and lead-contaminated residential soil. Lead is found is some toys, some playground
equipment, some children's metal jewelry, and some traditional pottery. Exposure to lead is a significant
health concern, especially for young children and infants whose growing bodies tend to absorb more lead
than the average adult. Although your home's drinking water lead levels were below the action level, if you
are concerned about lead exposure, parents should ask their health care providers about testing children for
high levels of lead in the blood.
'Customizable versions of these templates are available for download at: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lcrmr/compliancehelp.html
60
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
What Can I Do To Reduce Exposure to Lead in Drinking Water?
Although your test results were below EPA's action level, you may still want to take steps to further reduce
your exposure.
^ Run your water to flush out lead. If water hasn't been used for several hours, run water for 15-30
seconds to flush lead from interior plumbing [or insert a different flushing time if your system has
representative data indicating a different flushing time would better reduce lead exposure in your
community and if the State approves the wording] or until it becomes cold or reaches a steady
temperature before using it for drinking or cooking.
* Use cold water for cooking and preparing baby formula.
* Do not boil water to remove lead.
> Look for alternative sources or treatment of water (such as bottled water or water filters).
* Re-test your water for lead periodically.
> Identify and replace plumbing fixtures containing lead.
For More Information
Call us at [insert your water system's phone number]. For more information on reducing lead exposure
around your home and the health effects of lead, visit EPA's Web site at www.epa.gov/lead, call the National
Lead Information Center at 800-424-LEAD, or contact your health care provider.
61
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
Consumer Notice of Tap Water Results Template for
Community Water Systems
[Information in italics is required/mandatory language and cannot be changed]
[Select the appropriate number from the 6 possible options]
Dear (Consumer's Name),
[Insert name of your water system] appreciates your participation in the lead tap monitoring program. A lead
level of [insert data from the laboratory analysis of the sample collected-make sure the value is in pbb] was
reported for the sample collected on [date] at your location, [insert address of customer].
2. Your result was below the lead action level of 15 parts per billion. However, the 90th percentile value for
our system was above the lead action level.
What Does This Mean?
Under the authority of the Safe Drinking Water Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set
the action level for lead in drinking water at 15 ppb. This means utilities must ensure that water from the
customer's tap does not exceed this level in at least 90 percent of the homes sampled (90th percentile value).
The action level is the concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements
which a water system must follow. If water from the tap does exceed this limit, then the utility must take
certain steps to correct the problem. Because lead may pose serious health risks, the EPA set a Maximum
Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) of zero for lead. The MCLG is 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.
We are taking a number of steps to correct the problem. We will begin sampling for lead every 6 months so
we can closely monitor the lead levels in our water system. Your continued participation and support in our
lead tap monitoring program is very important. In addition, we will initiate a Public Education campaign
to ensure our customers know about the action level exceedance, understand the health effects of lead, the
sources of lead and actions they can take to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water. We will also monitor
our source water, initiate controls to reduce the corrosivity of our water (corrosive water can cause lead to
leach from plumbing materials that contain lead) and initiate lead service line replacement [for those systems
with lead service lines].
What Are The Health Effects of Lead?
Lead can cause serious health problems if too much enters your body from drinking water or other sources.
It can cause damage to the brain and kidneys, and can interfere with the production of red blood cells that
carry oxygen to all parts of your body. The greatest risk of lead exposure is to infants, young children, and
pregnant women. Scientists have linked the effects of lead on the brain with lowered IQin children. Adults
with kidney problems and high blood pressure can be affected by low levels of lead more than healthy adults.
Lead is stored in the bones, and it can be released later in life. During pregnancy, the child receives lead
from the mother's bones, which may affect brain development.
What Are The Sources of Lead?
The primary sources of lead exposure for most children are deteriorating lead-based paint, lead-contaminated
dust, and lead-contaminated residential soil. Exposure to lead is a significant health concern, especially for
62
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
young children and infants whose growing bodies tend to absorb more lead than the average adult. Lead
is found in some toys, some playground equipment, some children's metal jewelry, and some traditional
pottery. Although your home's drinking water lead levels were below the action level, if you are concerned
about lead exposure, parents should ask their health care providers about testing children for high levels of
lead in the blood. Lead is rarely found in source water, but enters tap water through corrosion of plumbing
materials. Homes built before 1988 are more likely to have lead pipes or lead solder.
What Can I Do To Reduce Exposure to Lead in Drinking Water?
Although your test results were below EPA's action level, you may still want to take steps to further reduce
your exposure.
> Run your water to flush out lead. Run water for 15-30 seconds to flush lead from interior plumbing
[or insert a different flushing time if your system has representative data indicating a different flushing
time would better reduce lead exposure in your community and if the State approves the wording] or
until it becomes cold or reaches a steady temperature before using it for drinking or cooking, if it hasn't
been used for several hours.
» Use cold water for cooking and preparing baby formula.
> Do not boil water to remove lead.
> Look for alternative sources or treatment of water (such as bottled water or water filters).
> Re-test your water for lead periodically.
* Identify and replace plumbing fixtures containing lead.
For More Information
Call us at [insert your water system's phone number]. For more information on reducing lead exposure
around your home and the health effects of lead, visit EPA's Web site at www.epa.gov/lead, call the National
Lead Information Center at 800-424-LEAD, or contact your health care provider.
63
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
Consumer Notice of Tap Water Results Template for
Community Water Systems
[Information in italics is required/mandatory language and cannot be changed]
[Select the appropriate number from the 6 possible options]
Dear (Consumer's Name),
[Insert name of your water system] appreciates your participation in the lead tap monitoring program. A
lead level of [insert data from the laboratory analysis of the sample collected-make sure the value is in pbb]
was reported for the sample collected on [date] at your location, [insert address of customer].
3. Your result is greater than the lead action level of 15 parts per billion. However, the 90th percentile value
for our water system was below the lead action level.
What Does This Mean?
Under the authority of the Safe Drinking Water Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set
the action level for lead in drinking water at 15 ppb. This means utilities must ensure that water from the
customer's tap does not exceed this level in at least 90 percent of the homes sampled (90th percentile value).
The action level is the concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements
which a water system must follow. If water from the tap does exceed this limit, then the utility must take
certain steps to correct the problem. Because lead may pose serious health risks, the EPA set a Maximum
Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) of zero for lead. The MCLG is 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.
Your lead level may be due to conditions unique to your home, such as the presence of lead soldier or brass
faucets, fittings and valves that may contain lead. Our system works to keep the corrosivity of our water as
low as possible (corrosive water can cause lead to leach from plumbing materials that contain lead) and there
are actions you can take to reduce exposure. We strongly urge you to take the steps below to reduce your
exposure to lead in drinking water.
What Are The Health Effects of Lead?
Lead can cause serious health problems if too much enters your body from drinking water or other sources.
It can cause damage to the brain and kidneys, and can interfere with the production of red blood cells that
carry oxygen to all parts of your body. The greatest risk of lead exposure is to infants, young children, and
pregnant women. Scientists have linked the effects of lead on the brain with lowered IQin children. Adults
with kidney problems and high blood pressure can be affected by low levels of lead more than healthy adults.
Lead is stored in the bones, and it can be released later in life. During pregnancy, the child receives lead
from the mother's bones, which may affect brain development. If you are concerned about lead exposure,
you may want to ask your health care provider about testing children to determine levels of lead in their
blood.
What Are The Sources of Lead?
Although most lead exposure occurs when people eat paint chips and inhale dust, or from contaminated
soil, EPA estimates that 10 to 20 percent of human exposure to lead may come from lead in drinking water.
Lead is rarely found in source water, but enters tap water through corrosion of plumbing materials. Homes
built before 1988 are more likely to have lead pipes or lead solder. However, new homes are also at risk:
64
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
even legally "lead-free" plumbing may contain up to 8 percent lead. The most common problem is with
brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and fixtures which can leach significant amounts of lead into the water,
especially hot water.
What Can I Do To Reduce Exposure to Lead in Drinking Water?
> Run your water to flush out lead. If water hasn't been used for several hours, run water for 15-30
seconds to flush lead from interior plumbing [or insert a different flushing time if your system has
representative data indicating a different flushing time would better reduce lead exposure in your
community and if the State approves the wording] or until it becomes cold or reaches a steady
temperature before using it for drinking or cooking.
* Use cold water for cooking and preparing baby formula. Do not cook with or drink water from the
hot water tap; lead dissolves more easily into hot water. Do not use water from the hot water tap to make
baby formula.
> Do not boil water to remove lead. Boiling water will not reduce lead.
> Look for alternative sources or treatment of water. You may want to consider purchasing bottled
water or a water filter. Read the package to be sure the filter is approved to reduce lead.
* Re-test your water for lead periodically. Call us at [insert phone number for your water system] to find
out how to get your water tested for lead. [Include information on your water system's testing program.
For example, do you provide free testing? Are there labs in your area that are certified to do lead in water
testing?]
* Identify and replace plumbing fixtures containing lead. Brass faucets, fittings, and valves, including
those advertised as "lead-free," may contribute lead to drinking water. The law currently allows end-
use brass fixtures, such as faucets, with up to 8% lead to be labeled as "lead free." The law also requires
faucets and other end-use fixtures to be independently certified against NSF/ANSI Standard 61. Products
that comply will be marked directly on the product or its packaging.
For More Information
Call us at [insert your water system's phone number]. For more information on reducing lead exposure
around your home and the health effects of lead, visit EPA's Web site at www.epa.gov/lead, call the National
Lead Information Center at 800-424-LEAD, or contact your health care provider.
65
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
Consumer Notice of Tap Water Results Template for
Community Water Systems
[Information in italics is required/mandatory language and cannot be changed]
[Select the appropriate number from the 6 possible options]
Dear (Consumer's Name),
[Insert name of your water system] appreciates your participation in the lead tap monitoring program. A
lead level of [insert data from the laboratory analysis of the sample collected-make sure the value is in pbb]
was reported for the sample collected on [date] at your location, [insert address of customer].
4. Your result is greater than the lead action level and the 90th percentile value for our water system is also
greater than the lead action level of 15 parts per billion.
What Does This Mean?
Under the authority of the Safe Drinking Water Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA set
the action level for lead in drinking water at 15 ppb. This means utilities must ensure that water from the
customer's tap does not exceed this level in at least 90 percent of the homes sampled (90th percentile result).
The action level is the concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements
which a water system must follow. If water from the tap does exceed this limit, then the utility must take
certain steps to correct the problem. Because lead may pose serious health risks, the EPA set a Maximum
Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) of zero for lead. The MCLG is 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.
We are taking a number of steps to correct the problem. We will begin sampling for lead every 6 months so
we can closely monitor the lead levels in our water system. Your continued participation and support in our
lead tap monitoring program is very important. In addition, we will initiate a Public Education campaign
to ensure our customers know about the action level exceedance, understand the health effects of lead, the
sources of lead and actions they can take to reduce exposure to leads in drinking water. We will also monitor
our source water, initiate controls to reduce the corrosivity of our water (corrosive water can cause lead to
leach from plumbing materials that contain lead) and initiate lead service line replacement [for those systems
with lead service lines].
Although we are taking action to reduce lead levels, your elevated lead level may also be due to conditions
unique to your home, such as the presence of lead soldier or brass faucets, fittings and valves that may
contain lead. Our system works to keep the corrosivity of our water as low as possible (corrosive water can
cause lead to leach from plumbing materials that contain lead) and there are actions you can take to reduce
exposure. We strongly urge you to take the steps below to reduce your exposure to lead in drinking water.
What Are The Health Effects of Lead?
Lead can cause serious health problems if too much enters your body from drinking water or other sources.
It can cause damage to the brain and kidneys, and can interfere with the production of red blood cells that
carry oxygen to all parts of your body. The greatest risk of lead exposure is to infants, young children, and
pregnant women. Scientists have linked the effects of lead on the brain with lowered IQ in children. Adults
with kidney problems and high blood pressure can be affected by low levels of lead more than healthy adults.
Lead is stored in the bones, and it can be released later in life. During pregnancy, the child receives lead
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
from the mother's bones, which may affect brain development. If you are concerned about lead exposure,
you may want to ask your health care provider about testing children to determine levels of lead in their
blood.
What Are The Sources of Lead?
Although most lead exposure occurs when people eat paint chips and inhale dust, or from contaminated
soil, EPA estimates that 10 to 20 percent of human exposure to lead may come from lead in drinking water.
Lead is rarely found in source water, but enters tap water through corrosion of plumbing materials. Homes
built before 1988 are more likely to have lead pipes or lead solder. However, new homes are also at risk:
even legally "lead-free" plumbing may contain up to 8 percent lead. The most common problem is with
brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and fixtures which can leach significant amounts of lead into the water,
especially hot water.
What Can I Do To Reduce Exposure to Lead in Drinking Water?
> Run your water to flush out lead. If water hasn't been used for several hours, run water for 15-30
seconds to flush lead from interior plumbing [or insert a different flushing rime if your system has
representative data indicating a different flushing time would better reduce lead exposure in your
community and if the State approves the wording] or until it becomes cold or reaches a steady
temperature before using it for drinking or cooking.
> Use cold water for cooking and preparing baby formula. Do not cook with or drink water from the
hot water tap; lead dissolves more easily into hot water. Do not use water from the hot water tap to make
baby formula.
> Do not boil water to remove lead. Boiling water will not reduce lead.
> Look for alternative sources or treatment of water. You may want to consider purchasing bottled
water or a water filter. Read the package to be sure the filter is approved to reduce lead.
+ Re-test you water for lead periodically. Call us at [insert phone number for your water system] to find
out how to get your water tested for lead. [Include information on your water system's testing program.
For example, do you provide free testing? Are there labs in your area that are certified to do lead in water
testing?]
* Identify and replace plumbing fixtures containing lead. Brass faucets, fittings, and valves, including
those advertised as "lead-free," may contribute lead to drinking water. The law currently allows end-
use brass fixtures, such as faucets, with up to 8% lead to be labeled as "lead free." The law also requires
faucets and other end-use fixtures to be independently certified against NSF/ANSI Standard 61. Products
that comply will be marked directly on the product or its packaging.
For More Information
Call us at [insert your water system's phone number]. For more information on reducing lead exposure
around your home and the health effects of lead, visit EPA's Web site at www.epa.gov/lead, call the National
Lead Information Center at 800-424-LEAD, or contact your health care provider.
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
Consumer Notice of Tap Water Results Template for
Community Water Systems
[Information in italics is required/mandatory language and cannot be changed]
[Select the appropriate number from the 6 possible options]
Dear (Consumer's Name),
[Insert name or your water system] appreciates your participation in the lead tap monitoring program. A lead
level of [insert data from the laboratory analysis of the sample collected - make sure the value is in ppb] was
reported for the sample collected on [date] at your location, [insert address of customer].
5. Your result was below the lead action level of 15 parts per billion. Our water system, however, has not
yet calculated the 90th percentile value for our system, so we do not yet know if our system is above the lead
action level.
What Does This Mean?
Under the authority of the Safe Drinking Water Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set
the action level for lead in drinking water at 15 parts per billion (ppb). This means utilities must ensure
that water from the customer's tap does not exceed this level in at least 90 percent of homes sampled (90th
percentile value). The action level is the concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment
or other requirements which a water system must follow. If water from the tap does exceed this limit, then the
utility must take certain steps to correct the problem. Because lead may pose serious health risks, the EPA set
a Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) of zero for lead. The MCLG is 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.
We are in the process of determining the 90th percentile value for our water system. You can call us at [insert
water system phone number] after [insert date that your 90th percentile calculation information will be
available] to find out our system's 90th percentile value. If our 90th percentile value is found to be below the
lead action level for lead no additional actions will be taken and we will continue our regular lead in drinking
water monitoring program.
If our 90th percentile value is found to be in exceedance of the action level for lead, there are a number of
steps that we will take to correct the problem. We will begin sampling for lead every 6 months so that we can
closely monitor the lead levels in our water system. Your continued participation and support in our lead tap
monitoring program is very important. In addition, we will initiate a Public Education campaign to ensure
all of our customers know about the action level exceedance, understand the health effects of lead, the sources
of lead, and actions they can take to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water. We will also monitor our
source water, initiate controls to reduce the corrosivity of our water (corrosive water can cause lead to leach
from plumbing materials that contain lead), and initiate lead service line replacement [for those systems with
lead service lines].
What Are The Health Effects of Lead?
Lead can cause serious health problems if too much enters your body from drinking water or other sources.
It can cause damage to the brain and kidneys, and can interfere with the production of red blood cells that
carry oxygen to all parts of your body. The greatest risk of lead exposure is to infants, young children, and
pregnant women. Scientists have link the effects of lead on the brain with lowered IQ in children. Adults
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
with kidney problems and high blood pressure can be affected by low levels of lead more than healthy adults.
Lead is stored in the bones, and it can be released later in life. During pregnancy, the child receives lead from
the mother's bones, which may affect brain development.
What Are The Sources of Lead?
The primary sources of lead exposure for most children are deteriorating lead-based paint, lead-contaminated
dust, and lead-contaminated residential soil. Exposure to lead is a significant health concern, especially for
young children and infants whose growing bodies tend to absorb more lead than the average adult. Although
your home's drinking water levels were below the action level, if you are concerned about lead exposure,
parents should ask their health care providers about testing children for high levels of lead in the blood. Lead
is rarely found in source water, but enters tap water through corrosion of plumbing materials. Homes built
before 1988 are more likely to have lead pipes or lead solder.
What Can I Do To Reduce Exposure to Lead in Drinking Water?
Although your test results were below EPA's action level, you may still want to take steps to further reduce
your exposure.
* Run your water to flush out lead. Run water for 15 to 30 seconds to flush lead from interior plumbing
[or insert a different flushing time if your system has representative data indicating a different flushing
time would better reduce lead exposure in your community and if the State Primacy Agency approves the
wording] or until it becomes cold or reaches a steady temperature before using it for drinking or cooking,
if it hasn't been used for several hours.
> Use cold water for cooking and preparing baby formula.
K Do not boil water to remove lead.
> Look for alternative sources or treatment of water (such as bottled water or water filters).
> Re-test you water for lead periodically.
* Identify and replace plumbing fixtures containing lead.
For More Information
Call us at [insert your water system's phone number]. For more information on reducing lead exposure
around your home and the health effects of lead, visit EPA's Web site at www.epa.gov/lead, call the National
Lead Information Center at 800-424-LEAD, or contact your health care provider.
'Customizable versions of these templates are available for download at: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lcrmr/compliancehelp.html
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
Consumer Notice of Tap Water Results Template for
Community Water Systems
[Information in italics is required/mandatory language and cannot be changed]
[Select the appropriate number from the 6 possible options]
Dear (Consumer's Name),
[Insert name or your water system] appreciates your participation in the lead tap monitoring program. A lead
level of [insert data from the laboratory analysis of the sample collected - make sure the value is in ppb] was
reported for the sample collected on [date] at your location, [insert address of customer].
6. Your result is greater than the lead action level of 15 parts per billion (ppb). Our water system, however,
has not yet calculated the 90th percentile value for our system, so we do not yet know if our system is above
the lead action level.
What Does This Mean?
Under the authority of the Safe Drinking Water Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set
the action level for lead in drinking water at 15 parts per billion (ppb). This means utilities must ensure
that water from the customer's tap does not exceed this level in at least 90 percent of homes sampled (90th
percentile value). The action level is the concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment
or other requirements which a water system must follow. If water from the tap does exceed this limit, then the
utility must take certain steps to correct the problem. Because lead may pose serious health risks, the EPA set
a Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) of zero for lead. The MCLG is 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.
We are in the process of determining the 90th percentile value for our water system. You can call us at [insert
water system phone number] after [insert date that your 90th percentile calculation information will be
available] to find out our system's 90th percentile value. If our 90th percentile value is found to be below the
lead action level for lead no additional actions will be taken and we will continue our regular lead in drinking
water monitoring program.
If our 90th percentile value is found to be in exceedance of the action level for lead, there are a number of
steps that we will take to correct the problem. We will begin sampling for lead every 6 months so that we can
closely monitor the lead levels in our water system. Your continued participation and support in our lead tap
monitoring program is very important. In addition, we will initiate a Public Education campaign to ensure
all of our customers know about the action level exceedance, understand the health effects of lead, the sources
of lead, and actions they can take to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water. We will also monitor our
source water, initiate controls to reduce the corrosivity of our water (corrosive water can cause lead to leach
from plumbing materials that contain lead), and initiate lead service line replacement [for those systems with
lead service lines].
Your lead level may be due to conditions unique to your home, such as the presence of lead solder or brass
faucets, fittings, and valves that may contain lead. Our system works to keep the corrosivity of our water as
low as possible (corrosive water can cause lead to leach from plumbing materials that contain lead) and there
are actions you can take to reduce exposure. We strongly urge you to take the steps below to reduce your
exposure to lead in drinking water.
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
What Are The Health Effects of Lead?
Lead can cause serious health problems if too much enters your body from drinking water or other sources.
It can cause damage to the brain and kidneys, and can interfere with the production of red blood cells that
carry oxygen to all parts of your body. The greatest risk of lead exposure is to infants, young children, and
pregnant women. Scientists have link the effects of lead on the brain with lowered IQ in children. Adults
with kidney problems and high blood pressure can be affected by low levels of lead more than healthy adults.
Lead is stored in the bones, and it can be released later in life. During pregnancy, the child receives lead from
the mother's bones, which may affect brain development. If you are concerned about lead exposure, you may
want to ask your health care provider about testing children to determine level of lead in their blood.
What Are The Sources of Lead?
The primary sources of lead exposure for most children are deteriorating lead-based paint, lead-contaminated
dust, and lead-contaminated residential soil. Exposure to lead is a significant health concern, especially for
young children and infants whose growing bodies tend to absorb more lead than the average adult. Although
your home's drinking water levels were below the action level, if you are concerned about lead exposure,
parents should ask their health care providers about testing children for high levels of lead in the blood. Lead
is rarely found in source water, but enters tap water through corrosion of plumbing materials. Homes built
before 1988 are more likely to have lead pipes or lead solder.
What Can I Do To Reduce Exposure to Lead in Drinking Water?
* Run your water to flush out lead. Run water for 15 to 30 seconds to flush lead from interior plumbing
[or insert a different flushing time if your system has representative data indicating a different flushing
time would better reduce lead exposure in your community and if the State Primacy Agency approves the
wording] or until it becomes cold or reaches a steady temperature before using it for drinking or cooking,
if it hasn't been used for several hours.
> Use cold water for cooking and preparing baby formula. Do not cool with or drink water from the
hot water tap; lead dissolves easily into hot water. Do not use water from the hot water tap to make baby
formula.
> Do not boil water to remove lead. Boiling water will not reduce lead.
> Look for alternative sources or treatment of water. You may want to consider purchasing bottled water
or a water filter. Read the package to be sure the filter is approved to reduce lead.
* Re-test you water for lead periodically. Call us at [insert phone number for your water system] to find
out how and when to re-test your water for lead. [Include information on your water system's testing
program. For example, do you provide free testing? Are there labs in your area that are certified to do
lead in water testing?]
* Identify and replace plumbing fixtures containing lead. Brass faucets, fittings, and valves, including
those advertised as "lead-free," may contribute to lead in drinking water. The law currently allows end-
use brass fixtures, such as faucets, with up to 8 percent lead to be labeled as "lead-free." The law also
requires faucets and other end-use fixtures to be independently certified against NSF/ANSI Standard 61.
Products that comply will be marked directly on the product or its packaging.
For More Information
Call us at [insert your water system's phone number]. For more information on reducing lead exposure
around your home and the health effects of lead, visit EPA's "Web site at www.epa.gov/lead, call the National
Lead Information Center at 800-424-LEAD, or contact your health care provider.
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
Consumer Notice of Tap Water Results Template for
Community Water Systems (Spanish)
[Information in italics is required/mandatory language and cannot be changed]
[Select the appropriate number from the 6 possible options]
Estimado/a (Consumer's Name),
[Insert name of your water system] agradece su participation en el programa de mpnitoreo de plomo en el
agua de grifo. Un nivel de [insert data from the laboratory analysis of the sample collected-make sure the
value is in pbb] ha resultado de la muestra obtenida el [date] , en la ubicacion de [insert address of customer] .
1 . Su resultado, asi como el valor de percentil 90 de nuestro sistema de aguas, se halla bajo el nivel de accion
de plomo de 1 5 partes por mil millones, es decir 1 5 ppb.
^Que significa este resultado?
Bajo la autoridad de la Ley de Agua Potable Segura, la Agencia de Protection del Medio Ambiente
(Environmental Protection Agency, o EPA por sus siglas en ingles) de los Estados Unidos establecio a 1 5 ppb
el nivel de accion para el plomo en el agua potable. Esto significa que los servicios piiblicos deben asegurarse
que el agua de grifo de sus clientes no exceda dicho nivel en el 90 por ciento de hogares analizados (valor
de percentil 90). El nivel de accion significa una concentration de contaminante que una vez excedida provoca
el tratamiento u otros requisitos que debe acatar un sistema de aguas. Si el agua de grifo excede dicho li'mite,
el servicio publico debe entonces emprender ciertas medidas para corregir el problema. Debido a que el
plomo puede conllevar serios riesgos para la salud, la EPA ha establecido un Objetivo de Nivel Maximo
de Contaminante (MCLG por sus siglas en ingles) de cero para el plomo. El MCLG es el nivel de un
contaminante en el agua potable cuyo valor menor no presenta ningun riesgo conocido o previsto para la salud. Los
niveles MCLG ofrecen un margen de seguridad.
afecta el plomo a la salud?
El plomo puede causar serios problemas de salud si cantidades excesivas provenientes del agua potable, u
otras fuentes, se introducen en su cuerpo. Puede danar al cerebro y a los rinones e interferir en la production
de globulos rojos que transportan oxigeno a todas las partes de su cuerpo. El riesgo mas serio de exposicion
al plomo es para los infantes, los ninos de baja edad y las mujeres encintas. Los cientfficos han conectado los
efectos del plomo en el cerebro con coeficientes de inteligencia mas reducidos en los ninos. Niveles bajos de
plomo tienen un mayor efecto en los adultos con problemas de rinon y de alta presion sanguinea que en los
adultos sanos. El plomo se almacena en los huesos y puede ser dispersado mas tarde en la vida. Durante el
embarazo, el bebe recibe plomo proveniente de los huesos maternos lo cual puede afectar el desarrollo de su
cerebro.
|Cuales son las fuentes del plomo?
Las fuentes principales de la exposicion al plomo para la mayor/a de ninos radican en la pintura con plomo
que se deteriora, la tierra residencial y el polvo contaminados con plomo. El plomo se halla en algunos
juguetes, equipos de parques infantiles, joyas metalicas de ninos y en algunas ceramicas tradicionales. La
exposicion al plomo es de especial importancia para la salud, especialmente para los ninos de baja edad y
para los infantes cuyos cuerpos crecientes tienen tendencia a absorber mayores cantidades de plomo que
un adulto corriente. Aunque los niveles de plomo en el agua potable de su hogar se hallaron debajo del
nivel de accion, si siente inquietud por la exposicion al plomo, se recomienda que los padres consulten a
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
sus proveedores de atencion medica acerca de un analisis de sangre para determinar cuales son los niveles de
plomo en los ninos.
jQue puedo hacer para reducir la exposicion al plomo en el agua de grifo?
* Deje correr el agua para eliminar el plomo. Deje correr el agua unos 15 a 30 segundos, si no se ha
utilizado en varias horas, para eliminar el plomo de la fontaneria interior [or insert a different flushing
time if your system has representative data indicating a different flushing time would better reduce lead
exposure in your community and if the State approves the wording] o hasta que se enfrfe o alcance una
temperatura constante antes de utilizar el agua para beber o cocinar.
* Utilice agua fri'a para cocinar y para preparar la formula para bebes.
» No hierva el agua para eliminar plomo.
> Busque otras fuentes o formas de tratar el agua (agua en botellas o filtros de agua, entre otros).
» Analice periodicamente el plomo en su agua.
* Identifique y reemplace el equipo de fontaneria que contenga plomo.
Para mas informacion
Llamenos al [insert your water system's phone number]. Para mas informacion acerca de la reduccion de
exposicion al plomo en su hogar y los efectos del plomo en la salud puede visitar el sitio Internet en www.
epa.gov/lead, llamar al centre nacional de informacion sobre el plomo (National Lead Information Center)
marcando el 1 -800-424-LEAD (424-5323) 6 bien consultar a su proveedor de atencion medica.
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
Consumer Notice of Tap Water Results Template for
Community Water Systems (Spanish)
[Information in italics is required/mandatory language and cannot be changed]
[Select the appropriate number from the 6 possible options]
Estimado/a (Consumer's Name),
[Insert name of your water system] agradece su participacion en el programa de monitoreo de plomo en el
agua de grifo. Un nivel de [insert data from the laboratory analysis of the sample collected-make sure the
value is in pbb] ha resultado de la muestra obtenida el [date] , en la ubicacion de [insert address of customer] .
2. Su resultado se halla debajo del nivel de accion para el plomo de 15 panes por mil millones (15 ppb). No
obstante, el valor de percentil 90 de nuestro sistema se halla por encima del nivel de accion para el plomo.
^Que significa este resultado?
Bajo la autoridad de la Ley de Agua Potable Segura, la Agencia de Proteccion del Medio Ambiente
(Environmental Protection Agency, o EPA por sus siglas en ingles) de los Estados Unidos establecio a 1 5 ppb
el nivel de accion para el plomo en el agua potable. Esto significa que los servicios publicos deben asegurarse
que el agua de grifo de sus clientes no exceda dicho nivel en el 90 por ciento de hogares analizados (valor
de percentil 90). El nivel de accion significa una concentration de contaminante que una vez excedida provoca
el tratamiento u otros requisites que debe acatar un sistema de aguas. Si el agua de grifo excede dicho h'mite,
el servicio piiblico debe entonces emprender ciertas medidas para corregir el problema. Debido a que el
plomo puede conllevar series riesgos para la salud, la EPA ha establecido un Objetivo de Nivel Maximo
de Contaminante (MCLG por sus siglas en ingles) de cero para el plomo. El MCLG es el nivel de un
contaminante en el agua potable cuyo valor menor no presenta ningun riesgo conocido o previsto para la salud. Los
niveles MCLG ofrecen un margen de seguridad.
Hemos emprendido ciertas medidas para corregir este problema. Comenzaremos a tomar muestras cada 6
meses con el fin de monitorear de cerca los niveles de plomo en nuestro sistema de aguas. Su participacion
y apoyo continues en nuestro programa de supervision de agua de grifo es de gran importancia. Iniciaremos
una campana de Educacion Publica que permita cerciorarse de que nuestros clientes se hallan conscientes
de la excedencia en el nivel de accion de plomo, comprenden como el plomo afecta la salud, conocen las
fuentes de plomo y saben que acciones pueden emprender con el fin de reducir la exposicion al plomo en el
agua potable. Tambien monitorearemos nuestra agua potable, estableceremos controles cuyo fin es reducir la
corrosividad de nuestra agua (el agua corrosiva puede disolver el plomo de los materiales que lo contengan) e
iniciaremos el reemplazo de h'neas de servicio (para los sistemas cuyas h'neas de servicio son de plomo).
afecta el plomo a la salud?
El plomo puede causar serios problemas de salud si cantidades excesivas provenientes del agua potable, u
otras fuentes, se introducen en su cuerpo. Puede danar al cerebro y a los rinones e interferir en la produccion
de globulos rojos que transportan oxigeno a todas las partes de su cuerpo. El riesgo mas serio de exposicion
al plomo es para los infantes, los ninos de baja edad y las mujeres encintas. Los cientificos han conectado los
efectos del plomo en el cerebro con coeficientes de inteligencia mas reducidos en los ninos. Niveles bajos de
plomo tienen un mayor efecto en los adultos con problemas de rinon y de alta presion sangufnea que en los
adultos sanos. El plomo se almacena en los huesos y puede ser dispersado mas tarde en la vida. Durante el
74
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
embarazo, el bebe recibe plomo provenience de los huesos maternos lo cual puede afectar el desarrollo de su
cerebro.
^Cuales son las fuentes del plomo?
Las fuentes principals de la exposicion al plomo para la mayoria de ninos radican en la pintura con plomo
que se deteriora, la tierra residencial y el polvo contaminados con plomo. La exposicion al plomo es de
especial importancia para la salud, especialmente para los ninos de baja edad y para los infantes cuyos
cuerpos crecientes tienen tendencia a absorber mayores cantidades de plomo que un adulto corriente. El
plomo se halla en algunos juguetes, equipos de parques infantiles, joyas metalicas de ninos y en algunas
ceramicas tradicionales. Aunque los niveles de plomo en el agua potable de su hogar se hallaron debajo del
nivel de accion, si siente inquietud por la exposicion al plomo, se recomienda que los padres consulten a
sus proveedores de atencion medica acerca de un analisis de sangre para determinar cuales son los niveles
de plomo en los ninos. Raramente existe plomo en el agua de fuente, sino que se introduce en el agua de
grifo debido a la corrosion de los materiales de fontanen'a. Las casas construidas antes de 1988 suelen tener
tuberfas de plomo o soldaduras de plomo.
^Que puedo hacer para reducir la exposicion al plomo en el agua de grifo?
Aunque los resultados de su analisis se hallan debajo del nivel de accion establecido por la EPA, es posible
que usted desee emprender medidas que reduzcan su nivel de exposicion aiin mas.
* Deje correr el agua para eliminar el plomo. Deje correr el agua unos 15 a 30 segundos, si no se ha
utilizado en varias horas, para eliminar el plomo de la fontanen'a interior [or insert a different flushing
time if your system has representative data indicating a different flushing time would better reduce lead
exposure in your community and if the State approves the wording] o hasta que se enfrie o alcance una
temperatura constante antes de utilizar el agua para beber o cocinar.
> Utilice agua fria para cocinar y para preparar la formula para bebes.
* No hierva el agua para eliminar plomo.
* Busque otras fuentes o formas de tratar el agua (agua en botellas o filtros de agua, entre otros).
» Analice periodicamente el plomo en su agua.
» Identifique y reemplace el equipo de fontanen'a que contenga plomo.
Para mas informacion
Llamenos al [insert your water system's phone number]. Para mas informacion acerca de la reduccion de
exposicion al plomo en su hogar y los efectos del plomo en la salud puede visitar el sitio Internet en www.
epa.gov/lead, llamar al centra nacional de informacion sobre el plomo (National Lead Information Center)
marcando el 1 -800-424-LEAD (424-5323) 6 bien consultar a su proveedor de atencion medica.
75
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR: "
A Guide for Community Water Systems
Consumer Notice of Tap Water Results Template for
Community Water Systems (Spanish)
[information in italics is required/mandatory language and cannot be changed]
[Select the appropriate number from the 6 possible options]
Estimado/a (Consumer's Name),
[Insert name of your water system] agradece su participation en el programa de monitoreo de plomo en el
agua de grifo. Un nivel de [insert data from the laboratory analysis of the sample collected-make sure the
value is in pbb] ha resultado de la muestra obtenida el [date], en la ubicacion de [insert address of customer].
3. Su resultado se halla por encima del nivel de accion para el plomo de 15 panes por mil millones (15 ppb).
No obstante, el valor de percentil 90 de nuestro sistema se halla debajo del nivel de accion para el plomo.
^Que significa este resultado?
Bajo la autoridad de la Ley de Agua Potable Segura, la Agencia de Protection del Medio Ambiente
(Environmental Protection Agency, o EPA por sus siglas en ingles) de los Estados Unidos establecio a 1 5 ppb
el nivel de accion para el plomo en el agua potable. Esto significa que los servicios ptiblicos deben asegurarse
que el agua de grifo de sus clientes no exceda dicho nivel en el 90 por ciento de hogares analizados (valor
de percentil 90). El nivel de accion significa una concentration de contaminante que una vez excedida provoca
el tratamiento u otros requisitos que debe acatar un sistema de aguas. Si el agua de grifo excede dicho limite,
el servicio piiblico debe entonces emprender ciertas medidas para corregir el problema. Debido a que el
plomo puede conllevar serios riesgos para la salud, la EPA ha establecido un Objetivo de Nivel Maximo
de Contaminante (MCLG por sus siglas en ingles) de cero para el plomo. El MCLG es el nivel de un
contaminante en el agua potable cuyo valor menor no presenta ningun riesgo conocido o previsto para la salud. Los
niveles MCLG ofrecen un margen de seguridad.
Es posible que su nivel de plomo se deba a condiciones intrfnsecas a su hogar, tales como la existencia de
soldaduras de plomo o de grifos, accesorios y valvulas de laton que pueden contener plomo. Nuestro sistema
se esfuerza en reducir al maximo la corrosividad de nuestra agua (el agua corrosiva puede disolver el plomo
de los materiales que lo contengan) y usted puede emprender ciertas medidas para reducir la exposicion.
Le aconsejamos seriamente de emprender las medidas a continuation para reducir su nivel de exposicion al
plomo en el agua potable.
afecta el plomo a la salud?
El plomo puede causar serios problemas de salud si cantidades excesivas provenientes del agua potable, u
otras fuentes, se introducen en su cuerpo. Puede danar al cerebro y a los rinones e interferir en la production
de globules rojos que transportan oxigeno a todas las partes de su cuerpo. El riesgo mas serio de exposicion
al plomo es para los infantes, los ninos de baja edad y las mujeres encintas. Los cientificos han conectado los
efectos del plomo en el cerebro con coeficientes de inteligencia mas reducidos en los ninos. Niveles bajos de
plomo tienen un mayor efecto en los adultos con problemas de rinon y de alta presion sangufnea que en los
adultos sanos. El plomo se almacena en los huesos y puede ser dispersado mas tarde en la vida. Durante el
embarazo, el bebe recibe plomo proveniente de los huesos maternos lo cual puede afectar el desarrollo de su
cerebro. Si la exposicion al plomo le preocupa puede consultar con su proveedor de atencion medica acerca
de un analisis de sangre de los ninos para determinar cuales son los niveles de plomo.
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
^Cuales son las fuentes del plomo?
Aunque la mayor parte de exposicion al plomo ocurre cuando la gente ingiere escamas de pintura o aspira
polvo contaminado, la EPA considera que de 10 a 20 por ciento de la exposicion humana al plomo puede
deberse al plomo en el agua potable. Raramente existe plomo en el agua de fuente, sino que se introduce en
el agua de grifo debido a la corrosion de los materiales de fontaneria. Las casas construidas antes de 1988
suelen tener tuben'as de plomo o soldaduras de plomo. Sin embargo, las casas nuevas tambien presentan
riesgos: inclusive la fontaneria que legalmente se halla "sin plomo" pueden contener hasta 8 por ciento de
plomo. El problema mas corriente radica en los grifos y accesorios de laton o de laton cromado que pueden
disolver grandes cantidades de plomo en el agua, especialmente en agua caliente.
^Que puedo hacer para reducir la exposicion al plomo en el agua de grifo?
* Deje correr el agua para eliminar el plomo. Deje correr el agua unos 15 a 30 segundos, si no se ha
utilizado en varias horas, para eliminar el plomo de la fontaneria interior [or insert a different flushing
time if your system has representative data indicating a different flushing time would better reduce lead
exposure in your community and if the State approves the wording] o hasta que se enfrie o alcance una
temperatura constante antes de utilizar el agua para beber o cocinar.
> Utilice agua fria para cocinar y para preparar la formula para bebes. No cocine ni beba agua del grifo
de agua caliente ya que el plomo se disuelve mas facilmente en agua caliente. No utilice el grifo de agua
caliente para preparar la formula para bebes.
> No hierva el agua para eliminar plomo. El agua hervida no reduce el plomo.
> Busque otras fuentes o formas de tratar el agua. Usted puede comprar agua en botellas o un filtro de
agua. Lea el embalaje y cerciorese de que el filtro se halla aprobado para reducir plomo.
* Analice periodicamente el plomo en su agua. Llamenos al [insert phone number for your water system]
para saber como obtener un analisis del plomo en su agua. [Include information on your water system's
testing program. For example, do you provide free testing? Are there labs in your area that are certified to
do lead in water testing?]
> Identifique y reemplace el equipo de fontaneria que contenga plomo. Los grifos, los accesorios y las
valvulas de laton, inclusive las que se anuncian estar "sin plomo", pueden contribuir al plomo en el agua
potable. En la actualidad la ley permite que los accesorios de uso final de laton, tales como los grifos, cuyo
tenor puede tener hasta 8 por ciento de plomo, puedan etiquetarse "sin plomo". Esta ley tambien exige
que los grifos y otros accesorios de uso final tengan una certificacion independiente que cumpla con la
Norma 61 NSF/ANSI. Los productos conformes se hallan marcados directamente en el producto mismo
o en el embalaje.
Para mas informacion
Llamenos al [insert your water system's phone number]. Para mas informacion acerca de la reduccion de
exposicion al plomo en su hogar y los efectos del plomo en la salud puede visitar el sitio Internet en www.
epa.gov/lead, llamar al centre nacional de informacion sobre el plomo (National Lead Information Center)
marcando el 1-800-424-LEAD (424-5323) 6 bien consultar a su proveedor de atencion medica.
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
Consumer Notice of Tap Water Results Template for
Community Water Systems (Spanish)
[Information in italics is required/mandatory language and cannot be changed]
[Select the appropriate number from the 6 possible options]
Estimado/a (Consumer's Name),
[Insert name of your water system] agradece su participacion en el programa de monitoreo de plomo en el
agua de grifo. Un nivel de [insert data from the laboratory analysis of the sample collected-make sure the
value is in pbb] ha resultado de la muestra obtenida el [date], en la ubicacion de [insert address of customer].
4. Su resultado excede el nivel de accion para el plomo y el valor de percentil 90 de nuestro sistema de aguas
es tambien mayor-del nivel de accion para el plomo de 15 parte por mil millones (15 ppb).
jQue significa este resultado?
Bajo la autoridad de la Ley de Agua Potable Segura, la Agencia de Proteccion del Medio Ambiente
(Environmental Protection Agency, o EPA por sus siglas en ingles) de los Estados Unidos establecio a 15 ppb
el nivel de accion para el plomo en el agua potable. Esto significa que los servicios publicos deben asegurarse
que el agua de grifo de sus clientes no exceda dicho nivel en el 90 por ciento de hogares analizados (resultado
de percentil 90). El nivel de accion significa una concentration de contaminante que una vez excedida provoca
el tratamiento u otros requisites que debe acatar un sistema de aguas. Si el agua de grifo excede dicho limite,
el servicio piiblico debe entonces emprender ciertas medidas para corregir el problema. Debido a que el
plomo puede conllevar series riesgos para la salud, la EPA ha establecido un Objetivo de Nivel Maximo
de Contaminante (MCLG por sus siglas en ingles) de cero para el plomo. El MCLG es el nivel de un
contaminante en el agua potable cuyo valor menor no presenta ningun riesgo conocido o previsto para la salud. Los
niveles MCLG ofrecen un margen de seguridad.
Hemos emprendido ciertas medidas para corregir este problema. Comenzaremos a tomar muestras cada 6
meses con el fin de monitorear de cerca los niveles de plomo en nuestro sistema de aguas. Su participacion
y apoyo continuos en nuestro programa de supervision de agua de grifo es de gran importancia. Iniciaremos
una campana de Educacion Piiblica que permita cerciorarse de que nuestros clientes se hallan conscientes de
la excedencia en el nivel de accion, comprenden como el plomo afecta la salud, conocen las fuentes de plomo
y saben que acciones pueden emprender con el fin de reducir la exposicion al plomo en el agua potable.
Tambien monitorearemos nuestra agua potable, estableceremos controles cuyo fin es reducir la corrosividad
de nuestra agua (el agua corrosiva puede disolver el plomo de los materiales que lo contengan) e iniciaremos
el reemplazo de h'neas de servicio (para los sistemas cuyas lineas de servicio son de plomo).
Aunque hemos emprendido medidas para reducir los niveles de plomo, es posible que su nivel elevado de
plomo se deba a condiciones intrinsecas a su hogar, tales como la existencia de soldaduras de plomo o de
grifos, accesorios y valvulas de laton que pueden contener plomo. Nuestro sistema se esfuerza en reducir al
maximo la corrosividad de nuestra agua (el agua corrosiva puede disolver el plomo de los materiales que lo
contengan) y usted puede emprender ciertas medidas para reducir la exposicion. Le aconsejamos seriamente
de emprender las medidas a continuacion para reducir su nivel de exposicion al plomo en el agua potable.
jComo afecta el plomo a la salud?
El plomo puede causar serios problemas de salud si cantidades excesivas provenientes del agua potable, u
otras fuentes, se introducen en su cuerpo. Puede danar al cerebro y a los rinones e interferir en la produccion
de globules rojos que transportan oxigeno a todas las partes de su cuerpo. El riesgo mas serio de exposicion
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
al plomo es para los infantes, los ninos de baja edad y las mujeres encintas. Los cientificos han conectado los
efectos del plomo en el cerebro con coeficienr.es de inteligencia mas reducidos en los ninos. Niveles bajos de
plomo tienen un mayor efecro en los adultos con problemas de rifion y de alta presion sanguinea que en los
adultos sanos. El plomo se almacena en los huesos y puede ser dispersado mas rarde en la vida. Duranre el
embarazo, el bebe recibe plomo provenienre de los huesos marernos lo cual puede afecrar el desarrollo de su
cerebro. Si la exposicion al plomo le preocupa puede consultar con su proveedor de atencion medica acerca
de un analisis de sangre de los ninos para determinar cuales son los niveles de plomo.
^Cuales son las fuentes del plomo?
Aunque la mayor parte de exposicion al plomo ocurre cuando la genre ingiere escamas de pintura o aspira
polvo contaminado, la EPA considera que de 10 a 20 por ciento de la exposicion humana al plomo puede
deberse al plomo en el agua potable. Raramente existe plomo en el agua de fuente, sino que se introduce en
el agua de grifo debido a la corrosion de los materiales de fontaneria. Las casas construidas antes de 1988
suelen tener tuben'as de plomo o soldaduras de plomo. Sin embargo, las casas nuevas tambien presentan
riesgos: inclusive la fontaneria que legalmente se halla "sin plomo" pueden contener hasta 8 por ciento de
plomo. El problema mas corriente radica en los grifos y accesorios de laton o de laton cromado que pueden
disolver grandes cantidades de plomo en el agua, especialmente en agua caliente.
jQue puedo hacer para reducir la exposicion al plomo en el agua de grifo?
> Deje correr el agua para eliminar el plomo. Deje correr el agua unos 15 a 30 segundos, si no se ha
utilizado en varias horas, para eliminar el plomo de la fontaneria interior [or insert a different flushing
time if your system has representative data indicating a different flushing time would better reduce lead
exposure in your community and if the State approves the wording] o hasta que se enfn'e o alcance una
temperatura constante antes de utilizar el agua para beber o cocinar.
* Utilice agua fria para cocinar y para preparar la formula para bebes. No cocine ni beba agua del grifo
de agua caliente ya que el plomo se disuelve mas facilmente en agua caliente. No utilice el grifo de agua
caliente para preparar la formula para bebes.
> No hierva el agua para eliminar plomo. El agua hervida no reduce el plomo.
* Busque otras fuentes o formas de tratar el agua. Usted puede comprar agua en botellas o un filtro de
agua. Lea el embalaje y cerciorese de que el filtro se halla aprobado para reducir plomo.
^ Analice periodicamente el plomo en su agua. Llamenos al [insert phone number for your water system]
para saber como obtener un analisis del plomo en su agua. [Include information on your water system's
testing program. For example, do you provide free testing? Are there labs in your area that are certified to
do lead in water testing?]
> Identifique y reemplace el equipo de fontaneria que contenga plomo. Los grifos, los accesorios y las
valvulas de laton, inclusive las que se anuncian estar "sin plomo", pueden contribuir al plomo en el agua
potable. En la actualidad la ley permite que los accesorios de uso final de laton, tales como los grifos, cuyo
tenor puede tener hasta 8 por ciento de plomo, puedan etiquetarse "sin plomo". Esta ley tambien exige
que los grifos y otros accesorios de uso final tengan una certificacion independiente que cumpla con la
Norma 61 NSF/ANSI. Los productos conformes se hallan marcados directamente en el producto mismo
o en el embalaje.
Para mas informacion
Llamenos al [insert your water system's phone number]. Para mas informacion acerca de la reduccion de
exposicion al plomo en su hogar y los efectos del plomo en la salud puede visitar el sitio Internet en www.
epa.gov/lead, llamar al centre nacional de informacion sobre el plomo (National Lead Information Center)
marcando el 1-800-424-LEAD (424-5323) 6 bien consultar a su proveedor de atencion medica.
79
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
Consumer Notice of Tap Water Results Template for
Community Water Systems (Spanish)
[Information in italics is required/mandatory language and cannot be changed]
[Select the appropriate number from the 6 possible options]
Estimado/a (Consumer's Name),
[Insert name or your water system] agradece su participacion en el programa de monitoreo de plomo en el
agua de grifo. Un nivel de [insert data from the laboratory analysis of the sample collected - make sure the
value is in ppb] ha resultado de la muestra obtenida el [date], en la ubicacion de [insert address of customer].
5. Su resultado se halla debajo del nivel de accion para el plomo de 15 paries por mil millones (15 ppb).
No obstante, nuestro sistema de aguas todavia no ha calculado el valor de percentil 90 de nuestro sistema y
todavia no sabemos si nuestro sistema se halla por encima del nivel de accion para el plomo.
significa este resultado?
Bajo a la autoridad de la Ley de Agua Potable Segura, la Agencia de Proteccion del Medio Ambiente
(Environmental Protection Agency, o EPA por sus siglas en ingles) de los Estados Unidos establecio a
1 5 partes por mil millones (ppb) el nivel de accion para el plomo en el agua potable. Esto significa que
los servicios piiblicos deben asegurarse que el agua de grifo de sus clientes no exceda dicho nivel en el 90
por ciento de hogares analizados (valor de percentil 90). El nivel de accion significa una concentration de
contaminante que una vez excedida provoca el tratamiento u otros requisites que debe acatar un sistema de
aguas. Si el agua de grifo excede dicho limite, el servicio piiblico debe entonces emprender ciertas medidas
para corregir el problema. Debido a que el plomo puede conllevar serios riesgos para la salud, la EPA ha
establecido un Objetivo de Nivel Maximo de Contaminante (MCLG por sus siglas en ingles) de cero para el
plomo. El MCLG es el nivel de un contaminante en el agua potable cuyo valor menor no presenta ningun riesgo
conocido o previsto para la salud. Los niveles MCLG ofrecen un margen de seguridad.
Estamos en proceso de determinar el valor de percentil 90 de nuestro sistema de aguas. Usted puede
llamarnos al [insert water system phone number] despues de [insert date that your 90th percentile
calculation information will be available] para conocer el valor percentil 90 de nuestro sistema. Si nuestro
valor percentil 90 se halla debajo del nivel de accion para el plomo, no sera necesario emprender medidas
suplementarias y seguiremos con nuestro programa regular de monitoreo del plomo en el agua potable.
Si nuestro valor de percentil 90 se halla en excedencia del nivel de accion para el plomo existen ciertas
medidas que emprenderemos para corregir este problema. Comenzaremos a tomar muestras cada 6 meses
con el fin de monitorear de cerca los niveles de plomo en nuestro sistema de aguas. Su participacion y apoyo
continues en nuestro programa de supervision de agua de grifo es de gran importancia. Iniciaremos una
campana de Educacion Piiblica que permita cerciorarse de que todos nuestros clientes se hallan conscientes
de la excedencia en el nivel de accion, comprenden como el plomo afecta la salud, conocen las fuentes de
plomo y saben que acciones pueden emprender con el fin de reducir la exposition al plomo en el agua
potable. Tambien monitorearemos nuestra agua potable, estableceremos controles cuyo fin es reducir la
corrosividad de nuestra agua (el agua corrosiva puede disolver el plomo de los materiales que lo contengan) e
iniciaremos el reemplazo de h'neas de servicio [for those systems with lead service lines] .
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
afecta el plomo a la salud?
El plomo puede causar series problemas de salud si cantidades excesivas provenientes del agua potable, u
otras fuentes, se introducen en su cuerpo. Puede danar al cerebro y a los rinones e interferir en la produccion
de globulos rojos que transportan oxigeno a todas las partes de su cuerpo. El riesgo mas serio de exposicion
al plomo es para los infantes, los ninos de baja edad y las mujeres encintas. Los cienti'ficos han conectado los
efectos del plomo en el cerebro con coeficientes de inteligencia mas reducidos en los ninos. Niveles bajos de
plomo tienen un mayor efecto en los adultos con problemas de rinon y de alta presion sangui'nea que en los
adultos sanos. El plomo se almacena en los huesos y puede ser dispersado mas tarde en la vida. Durante el
embarazo, el bebe recibe plomo proveniente de los huesos maternos lo cual puede afectar el desarrollo de su
cerebro.
^Cuales son las fuentes del plomo?
Las fuentes principales de la exposicion al plomo para la mayoria de ninos radican en la pintura con plomo
que se deteriora, la tierra residencial y el polvo contaminados con plomo. La exposicion al plomo es de
especial importancia para la salud, especialmente para los ninos de baja edad y para los infantes cuyos
cuerpos crecientes tienen tendencia a absorber mayores cantidades de plomo que un adulto corriente.
Aunque los niveles de plomo en el agua potable de su hogar se hallaron debajo del nivel de accion, si
siente inquietud por la exposicion al plomo, se recomienda que los padres consulten a sus proveedores de
atencion medica acerca de un analisis de sangre para determinar cuales son los niveles de plomo en los
ninos. Raramente existe plomo en el agua de fuente, sino que se introduce en el agua de grifo debido a la
corrosion de los materiales de fontanen'a. Las casas construidas antes de 1988 suelen tener tuberfas de plomo
o soldaduras de plomo.
jQue puedo hacer para reducir la exposicion al plomo en el agua de grifo?
Aunque los resultados de su analisis se hallan debajo del nivel de accion establecido por la EPA, es posible
que usted desee emprender medidas que reduzcan su nivel de exposicion aiin mas.
> Deje correr el agua para eliminar el plomo. Deje correr el agua unos 15 a 30 segundos, si no se ha
utilizado agua en varias horas, para eliminar el plomo de la fontanen'a interior [or insert a different
flushing time if your system has representative data indicating a different flushing time would better
reduce lead exposure in your community and if the State Primacy Agency approves the wording] o hasta
que se enfrie o alcance una temperatura constante antes de utilizar el agua para beber o cocinar.
> Utilice agua fria para cocinar y para preparar la formula para bebes.
> No hierva el agua para eliminar plomo.
> Busque otras fuentes o formas de tratar el agua (agua en botellas o filtros de agua, entre otros).
* Analice periodicamente el plomo en su agua.
> Identifique y reemplace el equipo de fontanen'a que contenga plomo.
Para mas informacion
Llamenos al [insert your water system's phone number]. Para mas informacion acerca de la reduccion de
exposicion al plomo en su hogar y los efectos del plomo en la salud puede visitar el sitio Internet en www.
epa.gov/lead, llamar al centre nacional de informacion sobre el plomo (National Lead Information Center)
marcando el 1 -800-424-LEAD (424-5323) 6 bien consultar a su proveedor de atencion medica.
81
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
Consumer Notice of Tap Water Results Template for
Community Water Systems (Spanish)
[Information in italics is required/mandatory language and cannot be changed]
[Select the appropriate number from the 6 possible options]
Estimado/a (Consumer's Name),
[Insert name or your water system] agradece su participacion en el programa de monitoreo de plomo en el
agua de grifo. Un nivel de [insert data from the laboratory analysis of the sample collected make sure the
value is in ppb] ha resultado de la muestra obtenida el [date], en la ubicacion de [insert address of customer].
6. Su resultado se halla por encima del nivel de accion para el plomo de 15 partes por mil millones (ppb).
No obstante, nuestro sistema de aguas todavia no ha calculado el valor de percentil 90 de nuestro sistema y
todavia no sabemos si nuestro sistema se halla por encima del nivel de accion para el plomo.
|Que significa este resultado?
Bajo a la autoridad de la Ley de Agua Potable Segura, la Agencia de Protection del Medio Ambiente
(Environmental Protection Agency, o EPA por sus siglas en ingles) de los Estados Unidos establecio a
15 partes por mil millones (ppb) el nivel de accion para el plomo en el agua potable. Esto significa que
los servicios piiblicos deben asegurarse que el agua de grifo de sus clientes no exceda dicho nivel en el 90
por ciento de hogares analizados (valor de percentil 90). El nivel de accion significa una concentration de
contaminante que una vez excedida provoca el tratamiento u otros requisites que debe acatar un sistema de
aguas. Si el agua de grifo excede dicho h'mite, el servicio piiblico debe entonces emprender ciertas medidas
para corregir el problema. Debido a que el plomo puede conllevar series riesgos para la salud, la EPA ha
establecido un Objetivo de Nivel Maximo de Contaminante (MCLG por sus siglas en ingles) de cero para el
plomo. El MCLG es el nivel de un contaminante en el agua potable cuyo valor menor no presenta ningun riesgo
conocido o previsto para la salud. Los niveles MCLG ofrecen un margen de seguridad.
Estamos en proceso de determinar el valor de percentil 90 de nuestro sistema de aguas. Usted puede
llamarnos al [insert water system phone number] despues de [insert date that your 90th percentile
calculation information will be available] para conocer el valor percentil 90 de nuestro sistema. Si nuestro
valor percentil 90 se halla debajo del nivel de accion para el plomo, no sera necesario emprender medidas
suplementarias y seguiremos con nuestro programa regular de monitoreo del plomo en el agua potable.
Si nuestro valor de percentil 90 se halla en excedencia del nivel de accion para el plomo existen ciertas
medidas que emprenderemos para corregir este problema. Comenzaremos a tomar muestras cada 6 meses
con el fin de monitorear de cerca los niveles de plomo en nuestro sistema de aguas. Su participacion y apoyo
continues en nuestro programa de supervision de agua de grifo es de gran importancia. Iniciaremos una
campana de Education Piiblica que permita cerciorarse de que todos nuestros clientes se hallan conscientes
de la excedencia en el nivel de accion, comprenden como el plomo afecta la salud, conocen las fuentes de
plomo y saben que acciones pueden emprender con el fin de reducir la exposition al plomo en el agua
potable. Tambien monitorearemos nuestra agua potable, estableceremos controles cuyo fin es reducir la
corrosividad de nuestra agua (el agua corrosiva puede disolver el plomo de los materiales que lo contengan) e
iniciaremos el reemplazo de Imeas de servicio [for those systems with lead service lines].
Es posible que su nivel de plomo se deba a condiciones intrinsecas a su hogar, tales como la existencia de
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
soldaduras de plomo o de grifos, accesorios y valvulas de laton que pueden contener plomo. .Nuestro sistema
se esfuerza en reducir al maximo la corrosividad de nuestra agua (el agua corrosiva puede disolver el plomo
de los materiales que lo contengan) y usted puede emprender ciertas medidas para reducir la exposicion. We
strongly urge you to take the steps below to reduce your exposure to lead in drinking water Le aconsejamos
seriamente de emprender las medidas a continuation para reducir su nivel de exposicion al plomo en el agua
potable.
|C6mo afecta el plomo a la salud?
El plomo puede causar serios problemas de salud si cantidades excesivas provenientes del agua potable, u
otras fuentes, se introducen en su cuerpo. Puede danar al cerebro y a los rinones e interferir en la production
de globulos rojos que transportan oxfgeno a todas las partes de su cuerpo. El riesgo mas serio de exposicion
al plomo es para los infantes, los ninos de baja edad y las mujeres encintas. Los cientificos han conectado los
efectos del plomo en el cerebro con coeficientes de inteligencia mas reducidos en los ninos. Niveles bajos de
plomo tienen un mayor efecto en los adultos con problemas de rinon y de alta presion sanguinea que en los
adultos sanos. El plomo se almacena en los huesos y puede ser dispersado mas tarde en la vida. Durante el
embarazo, el bebe recibe plomo proveniente de los huesos maternos lo cual puede afectar el desarrollo de su
cerebro. Si la exposicion al plomo lo preocupa puede consultar con su proveedor de atencion medica acerca
de un analisis de sangre de los ninos para determinar cuales son los niveles plomo.
^Cuales son las fuentes del plomo?
Las fuentes principales de la exposicion al plomo para la mayoria de ninos radican en la pintura con plomo
que se deteriora, la tierra residencial y el polvo contaminados con plomo. La exposicion al plomo es de
especial importancia para la salud, especialmente para los ninos de baja edad y para los infantes cuyos
cuerpos crecientes tienen tendencia a absorber mayores cantidades de plomo que un adulto corriente.
Aunque los niveles de plomo en el agua potable de su hogar se hallaron debajo del nivel de action, si
siente inquietud por la exposicion al plomo, se recomienda que los padres consulten a sus proveedores de
atencion medica acerca de un analisis de sangre para determinar cuales son los niveles de plomo en los
ninos. Raramente existe plomo en el agua de fuente, sino que se introduce en el agua de grifo debido a la
corrosion de los materiales de fontanerfa. Las casas construidas antes de 1988 suelen tener tuben'as de plomo
o soldaduras de plomo.
iQue puedo hacer para reducir la exposicion al plomo en el agua de grifo?
> Deje correr el agua para eliminar el plomo. Deje correr el agua unos 15 a 30 segundos, si no se ha
utilizado agua en varias horas, para eliminar el plomo de la fontanerfa interior [or insert a different
flushing time if your system has representative data indicating a different flushing time would better
reduce lead exposure in your community and if the State Primacy Agency approves the wording] o hasta
que se enfrie o alcance una temperatura constante antes de utilizar el agua para beber o cocinar.
> Utilice agua friia para cocinar y para preparar la formula para bebes. No cocine ni beba agua del
grifo de agua caliente ya que el plomo se disuelve facilmente en agua caliente. No utilice el grifo de agua
caliente para preparar la formula para bebes.
* No hierva el agua para eliminar plomo. El agua hervida no reduce el plomo.
> Busque otras fuentes o formas de tratar el agua. Usted puede comprar agua en botellas o un filtro de
agua. Lea el embalaje y cerciorese de que el filtro se halla aprobado para reducir plomo.
* Analice periodicamente el plomo en su agua. Llamenos al [insert phone number for your water system]
para saber como y cuando repetir el analisis de plomo en su agua. [Include information on your water
system's testing program. For example, do you provide free testing? Are there labs in your area that are
83
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
certified to do lead in water testing?]
» Identifique y reemplace el equipo de fontaneria que contenga plomo. Los grifos, los accesorios y las
valvulas de laton, inclusive las que se anuncian estar "sin plomo", pueden contribuir al plomo en el agua
potable. En la actualidad la ley permite que los accesorios de uso final de laton, tales como los grifos, cuyo
tenor puede tener hasta 8 por ciento de plomo, puedan etiquetarse "sin plomo". Esta ley tambien exige
que los grifos y otros accesorios de uso final tengan una certificacion independiente que cumpla con la
Norma 61 NSF/ANSI. Los productos conformes se hallan marcados directamente en el producto mismo
o en el embalaje.
Para mas informacion
Llamenos al [insert your water system's phone number]. Para mas informacion acerca de la reduccion de
exposicion al plomo en su hogar y los efectos del plomo en la salud puede visitar el sitio Internet en www.
epa.gov/lead, llamar al centre nacional de informacion sobre el plomo (National Lead Information Center)
marcando el 1-800-424-LEAD (424-5323) 6 bien consultar a su proveedor de atencion.
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
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Appendix C
Contacts and Additional Resources
-------
Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
Federal Informational Sources
> EPA's Web site on Lead: www.epa.gov/lead
> EPA's Web site on Lead in Drinking Water: www.epa.gov/safewater/lead
> EPA's Web site on Reducing Lead in Drinking Water in Schools and Day Care Centers: www.epa.gov/
safewater/schools.
* Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Web site on Lead: www.cdc.gov/lead
* National Lead Information Center Hotline: (800) 424-LEAD
> EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline: (800) 426-4791
State Drinking Water and Lead Poisoning Prevention
Informational Sources
State
Lead in Drinking Water Program
Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
Alabama Alabama Department of Environmental
Management, Water Supply Branch
Phone:(334)271-7700
Web site: www.adem.state.al.us/WaterDivision/
Drinking/DWMainlnfo.htm
Alaska Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation,
Division of Environmental Health, Drinking Water
and Wastewater Program
Phone: (907) 269-7647
Web site: www.dec.state.ak.us/eh/dw/
Arizona Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
Drinking Water Section
Phone: (602)771-2300
Toll-free Phone: (800) 234-5677
Web site: www.azdeq.gov/environ/water/dw/
Arkansas Arkansas Department of Health and Human
Services, Division of Engineering
Phone:(501)661-2623
Web site: http://www.healthyarkansas.com/eng/
index.html
California California Department of Public Health, Division of
Drinking Water and Environmental Management
Phone:(916)449-5600
Web site: www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/Pages/
ddwem.aspx
Colorado Colorado Department of Public Health and
Environment, Water Quality Control Division
Phone: (303) 692-3500
Web site: www.cdphe.state.co.us/wq/index.html
Connecticut Connecticut Department of Public Health, Water
Supplies Section
Phone: (860) 509-7333
Web site: www.dph.state.ct.us/BRS/Water/DWD.
htm
Alabama Department of Public Health, Bureau of
Family Health Services, Childhood Lead Poisoning
Prevention Program
Phone: (334) 206-2966
Web site: www.adph.org/aclppp
Alaska Department of Health and Social Services,
Division of Public Health, Section of Epidemiology
Phone: (907) 269-8086
Web site: www.epi.hss.state.ak.us/eh/default.stm
Arizona Department of Health Services, Office of
Environmental Health, Lead Poisoning Prevention
Program
Phone:(602)364-3118
Web site: www.azdhs.gov/phs/oeh/invsurv/lead/
index.htm
Arkansas Department of Health, Lead Based Paint
Program
Phone:501-661-2000
Web site: www.healthyarkansas.com/faq/faqjead.
html
California Department of Health Services, Childhood
Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch
Phone: (510)620-5600
Web site: www.dhs.ca.gov/childlead/
Colorado Department of Public Health and
Environment, Lead Poisoning Prevention
Phone:(303)739-1123
Web site: www.cdphe.state.co.us/dc/lead/index.
html
Connecticut Department of Public Health, Lead
Poisoning Prevention and Control Program
Phone: (860) 509-7299
Web site: www.ct.gov/dph/cwp/view.
asp?a=3140&q=387550
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A Guide for Community Water Systems
Delaware Delaware Health and Social Services, Division of
Public Health, Environmental Evaluation Branch,
Office of Drinking Water
Phone:(302)741-8630
Web site: www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/hsp/
odw.htm!
Florida Florida Department of Environmental Protection,
Drinking Water Program
Phone: (850) 245-8336
Web site: www.dep.state.fl.us/water/
drinkingwater/index.htm
Georgia Georgia Department of Natural Resources,
Environmental Protection Division, Water Resource
Branch
Phone: (404) 675-6232
Web site: www.georgiaepd.org/Documents/wpb.
html
Hawaii Hawaii Department of Health, Environmental
Management Division
Phone: (808) 586-4258
Web site: www.hawaii.gov/health/
environmental/water/sdwb/index.html
Idaho Idaho Department of Environmental Quality,
Division of Environmental Quality, Drinking Water
Program
Phone: (208) 373-0291
Web site: www.deq.idaho.gov/water/prog_
issues/drinking_water/overview.cfm
Illinois Illinois EPA, Division of Public Water Supplies
Phone: (217)785-8653
Web site: www.epa.state.il.us/water/
Indiana Indiana Department of Environmental
Management, Office of Water Quality
Phone:(317)232-8670
Web site: www.in.gov/idem/programs/water/
index.html
Iowa Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Water
Supply Program
Phone:(515)725-0282
Web site: www.iowadnr.com/water/drinking/
index.html
Kansas Kansas Department of Health and Environment,
Bureau of Water, Public Water Supply Section
Phone: (785) 296-5500
Web site: www.kdheks.gov/pws/
Kentucky Kentucky Department of Environmental Protection,
Division of Water, Water Supply Branch
Phone: (502) 564-3410 ext. 552
Web site: www.water.ky.gov/dw/
Delaware Health and Social Services, Division of
Public Health, Office of Lead Poisoning Prevention
Phone: (302) 744-4546
Web site: www.dhss.delaware.gov/dph/hsp/Iead.
html
Florida Department of Health, Division of
Environmental Health, Bureau of Community
Environmental Health, Childhood Lead Poisoning
Prevention Program
Phone: (850) 245-4250
Web site: www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/
community/lead/
Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of
Public Health, Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
Program
Phone: (404) 463-3754
Web site: http://health.state.ga.us/programs/lead/
Hawaii Department of Health, Maternal and Child
Health Branch
Phone: (808) 733-9022
Web site: http://hawaii.gov/health/family~child-
health/mchb/index.html
Idaho Division of Health and Welfare, Bureau of
Community and Environmental Health, Indoor
Environment Program
Phone: (800) 926-2588
Web site: www.healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/
portal/alias Rainbow/lang en-US/tabID 3392/
DesktopDefault.aspx
Illinois Department of Public Health, Childhood Lead
Poisoning
Phone:(217)782-3517
Web site: www.idph.state.il.us/public/hb/hblead.
htm
Indiana Department of Health, Children's Lead
Poisoning Prevention
Phone:(317)233-1325
Web site: www.in.gov/isdh/programs/lead/index.
htm
Iowa Department of Public Health, Bureau of Lead
Poisoning Prevention
Phone: (800) 972-2026
Web site: www.idph.state.ia.us/eh/lead_poisoning_
prevention.asp
Kansas Department of Health and Environment,
Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Prevention Program
Phone: (866)-865-3233
Web site: www.kdheks.gov/lead/
Kentucky Department of Public Health, Center for
Health and Family Services, Adult and Child Health,
Maternal and Child Health, Child Lead Poisoning
Prevention Program
Phone: (502) 564-2154
Web site: http://chfs.ky.gov/dph/ach/mch/clppp.
htm
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
Louisiana Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals,
Office of Public Health, Center for Environmental
and Health Services, Safe Drinking Water Program
Phone: (225) 342-9500
Web site: www.dhh.louisiana.gov/
offices/?ID=238
Maine Maine Department of Health and Human Services,
Drinking Water Program
Phone: (207) 287-2070
Web site: www.maine.gov/dhhs/eng/water/
Maryland Maryland Department of the Environment, Water
Supply Program
Phone:(410)537-3702
Web site: www.mde.state.md.us/Programs/
WaterPrograms/Water_Suppiy/index,asp
Massachusetts Massachusetts Department of Environment,
Drinking Water Program
Phone: 617-292-5770
Web site: www.mass.gov/dep/water/drinking.
htm
Michigan Michigan Department of Environmental Quality,
Water Bureau
Phone:(517)241-1300
Web site: www.michigan.gov/deqwater
Minnesota Minnesota Department of Health, Drinking Water
Protection Section
Phone:(651)201-4700
Web site: www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/water/
index.html
Mississippi Mississippi State Department of Health, Water
Supply Division
Phone:(601)576-7518
Web site: www.msdh.state.ms.us/msdhsite/_
static/44,0,76.html
Missouri Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Division
of Environmental Quality, Public Drinking Water
Branch
Phone: (800) 361-4827
Website: www.dni.nio.gov/env/wpp/dw-index.
htrn
Montana Montana Department of Environmental Quality,
Public Water Supply Program
Phone: (406) 444-4400
Web site: www.deq.state.mt.us/wqinfo/pws/
index.asp
Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Office
of Public Health, Center for Preventive Health, Genetic
Diseases, Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
Programs
Phone:(504)219-4413
Web site: www.dhh.louisiana.gov/offices/page.
asp?ID=263&Detail=6296
Maine Department of Health and Human Services,
Division of Environmental Health, Environmental
and Occupational Health Programs, Childhood Lead
Program
Phone: (207) 287-8671
Web site: http://maine.gov/dhhs/eohp/lead/
Maryland Department of the Environment, Lead
Poisoning Prevention Program
Phone: (800)776-2706
Web site: www.mde.state.md.us/programs/
landprograms/teadcoordination/index.asp
Massachusetts Office of Health and Human Services,
Department of Public Health, Childhood Lead
Poisoning Prevention Program
Phone: (800) 532-9571
Web site: www.mass.gov/?pagelD=eohhs2ter
minal&L=5&LO=Home&L1=Government&L2
= Departments+and + Divisions&L3 = Departm
ent+of+Public+Health&L4=Programs+and +
Services+A+-+J&sid = Eeohhs2&b=termmalc
ontent&f=dph_environmentaljead_g_clppp_
about&csid=Eeohhs2
Michigan Department of Community Health,
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
Phone:(517)335-8885
Web site: www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132-2
942_4911_4913.OO.htrni
Minnesota Department of Health, Lead Poisoning
Prevention
Phone:(651)201-4620
Web site: www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/lead/
index.html
Mississippi State Department of Health, Childhood
Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
Phone:(601)576-7447
Web site: www.msdh.state.ms.us/rnsdhsite/_
static/41,0,176.html
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services,
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
Phone: (573) 526-4911
Web site: www.dhss.mo.gov/ChildhoodLead/
Montana Department of Public Health and Human
Services, Lead Program
Phone: (406) 444-5622
Web site: www.dphhs.mt.gov/epht/lead.shtml
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A Guide for Community Water Systems
Nebraska Nebraska Department of Health and Human
Services, Environmental Health Services Section,
Public Water Supply Program
Phone:(402)471-2306
Web site: www.hhs.state.ne.us/enh/pwsindex.
htm
Nevada Nevada Bureau of Health Protection Services,
Division of Environmental Protection, Bureau of
Safe Drinking Water
Phone: (775) 687-9520
Web site: http://ndep.nv.gov/bsdw/index.htm
New New Hampshire Department of Environmental
Hampshire Services, Drinking Water and Ground Water
Bureau, Drinking Water Source Protection Program
Phone:(603)271-3503
Web site: www.des.state.nh.us/dwspp
New Jersey New Jersey Department of Environmental
Protection, Division of Water Supply, Bureau of
Safe Drinking Water
Phone: (609)292-5550
Web site: www.state.nj.us/dep/watersupply/
safedrnk.htm
New Mexico New Mexico Environmental Department, Drinking
Water Bureau
Phone: (877) 654-8720 (Toll-free)
Web site: www.nmenv.state.nm.us/dwb/dwbtop.
html
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services,
Lead-Based Paint Program
Phone:(402)471-0386
Web site: www.dhhs.ne.gov/puh/enh/leadpaint/
leadindex.htm
Southern Nevada Health District, Childhood Lead
Poisoning Prevention Program
Phone: (702)759-1000
Web site: www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/
clppp/index.htm
New Hampshire Department of Health and Human
Services, Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
Program
Phone:(603)271-4507
Web site: www.dhhs.state.nh.us/DHHS/CLPPP/
default.htm
New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services,
Family Health Services, Childhood Lead Prevention
Program
Phone: (609) 292-7837
Web site: www.state.nj.us/health/fhs/newborn/
lead.shtml
New Mexico Department of Health, Environmental
Health Epidemiology Bureau, Lead Poisoning
Prevention Program
Phone: (888) 878-8992
Web site: www.health.state.nm.us/eheb/lead.html
New York New York Department of Health, Drinking Water New York Department of Health, Bureau of Child and
Protection Program Adolescent Health, Lead Program
Phone: (800) 458-1158 Phone: (518) 474-2084
Web site: http://health.state.ny.us/environmental/ Web site: www.nyhealth.gov/environmental/lead/
lead/leadwtr.htm
North Carolina North Carolina Department of the Environment and North Carolina Department of Environment and
Natural Resources, Public Water Supply Section Natural Resources, Children's Environmental Health
Phone: (919) 733-2321 Branch, Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
Web site: www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/pws/index.htmPhone: (919) 715-5237
Web site: www.deh.enr.state.nc,us/ehs/Children_
Health/Lead/lead.htrnl
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
North Dakota Department of Health, Drinking WaterNorth Dakota Department of Health, Lead Based Paint
Program Phone: (701) 328.5188
Phone: (701) 328-5211 Web site: www.health.state.nd.us/aq/iaq/lbp/index.
Web site: www.health.state.nd.us/MF/dw.html htm
Ohio EPA, Division of Drinking and Ground Waters
Phone: (614) 644-2752
Web site: www.epa.state.oh.us/ddagw/
Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality,
Water Quality Division
Phone: (405)702-8100
Web site: www.deq.state.ok.us/WQDNew/
Ohio Department of Health, Lead Poisoning Prevention
Phone: (877) 668-5323
Web site: www.odh.ohio.gov/odhPrograms/dspc/
Ip_prev/lp_prev1 .aspx
Oklahoma Department of Health, Childhood Lead
Poisoning Prevention Program
Phone: (405)271-6617
Web site: www.ok,gov/hea!th/Child_and_Family_
Health/Screening,_Specia!_Services_and_Sooner_
Start/Oklahoma_Childhood_tead_Poisoning_
Prevention_Progranyindex.html
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A Guide for Community Water Systems
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Oregon Department of Human Services, Public Health
Division, Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
Phone:(971)673-0440
Web site: www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/lead/index.shtrnI
Pennsylvania Department of Health, Lead Poisoning
Oregon Department of Human Services, Public
Health Division, Drinking Water Program
Phone: (971) 673-0405
Web site: www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/dwp/
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection, Bureau of Water Supply and Wastewater Prevention and Control Program
Management Phone: (800) 440-5323
Phone: (717) 787-9637 Web site: www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/cwp/
Web site: www.depweb.state.pa.us/watersupply/ view.asp?a = 179&q=201197
cwp/view.asp?a=1251&Q=448745&watersupply
Nav=|30131|
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico Department of Health, Water Supply
Supervision Program
Phone: (787)767-8181
Web site: www.salud.gov.pr/Pages/default.aspx
Rhode Island Rhode Island Department of Health, Office of
Drinking Water Quality
Phone:(401)222-6867
Web site: www.health.state.ri.us/environment/
dwq/index.php
South Carolina South Carolina Department of Health and
Environmental Control, Bureau of Water
Phone: (803) 898-4300
Web site: www.scdhec.net/water/html/dwater.
html
South Dakota South Dakota Department of Environment and
Natural Resources, Drinking Water Program
Phone: (605) 773-3754
Web site: www.state.sd.us/DENR/des/drinking/
dwprg.htm
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Tennessee Department of Environment and
Conservation, Division of Water Supply
Phone: (615)532-0191
Web site: www.state.tn.us/environment/dws/
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality,
Drinking Water and Water Availability.
Phone: (512)239-4691
Web site: www.tceq.state.tx.us/nav/util_water/
Puerto Rico Department of Health
Phone: (787) 274-7676
Web site: www.salud.gov.pr/Pages/default.aspx
Rhode Island Department of Health, Childhood Lead
Poisoning Prevention Program
Phone: (800) 942-7434
Web site: www.health.state.ri.us/lead/index.php
South Carolina Department of Health and
Environmental Control, Women's and Children's
Services, Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
Program
Phone: (866) 466-5323
Web site: www.scdhec.gov/health/mch/wcs/ch/lead.
htm
EPA Region 8 Lead Program
Phone:(303)312-6966
Web site: www.epa.gov/region8/toxics_pesticides/
leadpnVindex.html
Tennessee Department of Health, Childhood Lead
Poisoning Prevention Program
Phone:(615)741-7305
Web site: http://health.state.tn.us/lead/index.htm
Texas Department of State Health Services, Childhood
Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
Phone:(800)588-1248
Web site: www.dshs.state.tx.us/lead/default.shtm
Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Division Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Office of
of Drinking Water Epidemiology, Child Blood Lead Epidemiology and
Phone: (801) 536-4200 Surveillance
Web site: www.drinkingwater.utah.gov/ Phone: (801) 538-6191
Web site: http://health.utah.gov/epi/enviroepi/
ables98/chiid.htm
Vermont
Virginia
Vermont Department of Environmental
Conservation, Water Supply Division
Phone:802-241-3400
Toll-free: 800-823-6500
Website: www.vermontdrinkingwater.org/
Virginia Department of Health, Office of Drinking
Water
Phone: (804) 864-7500
Web site: www.vdh.virginia.gov/DrinkingWater/
Consumer/
Vermont Department of Health, Health Protection
Division, Lead Surveillance Program
Phone: (802) 865-7786
Web site: http://healthvermont.gov/enviro/lead/lead.
aspx
Virginia Department of Health, Office of Family
Health Services, Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
Program
Phone: (804) 864-7694
Web site: www.vahealth.org/leadsafe/
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A Guide for Community Water Systems
Washington,
DC
Washington
DC Department of Health, Environmental Health
Administration, Water Quality Division
Phone:(202)535-2190
Web site: http://doh.dc.gov/doh/cwp/
view,a,1374,Q,586624,dohNav_GID, 1811,. asp
EPA Web site on Lead in DC Drinking Water:
http://www.epa.gov/dclead/
Washington Department of Health, Division of
Environmental Health, Office of Drinking Water
Phone:(360)236-3100
Web site: www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/dw/
DC Department of Health, Lead Poisoning Prevention
Program
Phone: (202)442-9216
Web site: http://doh.dc.gov/doh/site/default.asp
Washington Department of Health, Division of
Environmental Health, Office of Environmental Health
Assessments
Phone: (800) 909-9898
Web site: www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/lead/default.htm
West Virginia Department of Health and Human
Services, Bureau of Public Health, Radiation, Toxics,
and Air Division
Phone: (304)558-6716
Web site: www.wvdhhr.org/rtia/lead.asp
Wisconsin Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Bureau Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services,
West Virginia West Virginia Department of Health and Human
Services, Environmental Engineering Division
Phone:(304)558-6715
Web site: www.wvdhhr.org/oehs/eed/
of Drinking Water and Groundwater
Phone: (608)266-2621
Web site: www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/water/dwg/
Wyoming U.S. EPA Region 8 Drinking Water Program
Phone:(303)312-6337
Web site: http://epa.gov/region8/water/dwhome/
wycon.html
Lead-Safe Wisconsin
Phone: (608)261-6876
Web site: www.dhfs,state.wi.us/lead/
Wyoming Department of Health, Preventive Health
and Safety Division, Lead Poisoning Prevention
Program
Phone: (307) 777-6015
Web site: http://wdh.state.wy.us/PHSD/lead/index.
htm/
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Resources to Locate Organizations in Your Service
Area
For a list of organizations in your service area, waters systems should consult with their local public health
agency first, as they may have lists of the following organizations in your area. However, the Web sites below
have directories where you can input your location to find surrounding organizations.
> Local Public Health Agencies
Contact your state or local county government
National Association of County and City Health Officials, Local Public Health Agency Index
http://lhadirectory.naccho.org/phdir/
> Public and Private Schools or School Boards
US Department of Education, Institute for Education Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics
http://nces.ed.gov/globallocator/
* Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Head Start programs
US Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, WIC State Agency Contacts
www.fins.usda.gov/wic/Contacts/ContactsMenu.HTM
US Department of Health and Human Services, Head Start Locator
http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/HeadStartOrTices
* Public and Private Hospitals and Medical clinics
Contact your local health agency
* Pediatricians
American Academy of Pediatrics Referral Service www.aap.org/referral/
American Board of Pediatrics www.abp.org/ABPVfebSite/
* Family Planning Clinics
Contact your local health agency
* Local Welfare Agencies
Contact your local health agency
> Licensed childcare centers
National Child Care Association www.nccanet.org
»> Public and private preschools
US Department of Education, Institute for Education Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics
http://nces.ed.gov/globallocator/
> Obstetricians-Gynecologists and Midwives
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Physician Lookup
www.acog.org/member-lookup/
American College of Nurse-Midwives www.midwife.org/find.cfm
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Publications
Regulatory Publications
Environmental Protection Agency, 40 CFR 141 and 142 - Drinking Water Regulations; Maximum
Contaminant Level Goals and National Primary Drinking Water Regulations for Lead and Copper; Final
Rule (72 FR 57782, October 10,2007). This Federal Register Notice and further information is available
at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lcrmr/index.html.
Guidance Documents
"Lead and Copper Rule: Revised Quick Reference Guide for Schools and Child Care Facilities that are
Regulated Under the Safe Drinking Water Act." US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water,
Washington, DC. October 2005, EPA 816-F-05-030. This document is available at
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/schools/.
"Lead and Copper Rule: Revised Quick Reference Guide." US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of
Water, Washington, DC. June 2008, EPA 816-F-08-018. This document is available at
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lcrmr/.
"How to Determine Compliance with Optimal Water Quality Parameters as Revised by the Lead and
Copper Rule Minor Revisions." US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, Washington, DC.
February 2001, EPA 815-R-99-019. This document is available at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lcrmr/.
Risk Communications
"AWWA Public Communications Toolkit." American Water Works Association." This document is available
at http://www.awwa.org/Government/Content.cfm?ItemNumber=3851 &navItemNumber=3852.
Public Information and Fact Sheets
"Water Health Series: Filtration Facts." US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, Washington,
DC. September 2005, 816-K-05-002. This document is available at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/.
"Is There Lead in my Drinking Water?: You can Reduce the Risk of Lead Exposure from Drinking Water"
US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, Washington, DC. February 2005, EPA
816-F-05-001. This document is available in English and Spanish at
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead/leodfactsheet.html.
"Controlling Lead in Drinking Water for Schools and Day Care Facilities: A Summary of State Programs."
US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, Washington, DC. July 2004, EPA-810-R-04-001.
This document is available at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lcnnr/.
"Tap Into Prevention: Drinking Water Information for Health Care Providers." US Environmental
Protection Agency, Office of Water, Washington, DC. August 2004, EPA 816-C-04-001. This video is
available in DVD and VHS format at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/healthcare/index.html.
"Water on Tap: What you Need to Know." US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of
Water, Washington, DC. October 2003, EPA 816-K-03-007. This document is available in English,
Spanish and Chinese at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/wot/index.html.
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A Guide for Community Water Systems
"Is There Lead in the Drinking Water?: You Can Reduce the Risk of Lead Exposure from Drinking Water
in Educational Facilities" US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, Washington DC. April
2002, 903-FO1-002. This document is available at
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead/.
"Is There Lead in My Drinking Water?: You Can Reduce the Risk of Lead Exposure from Drinking Water in
Your Home." US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, Washington, DC. February 2005,
EPA 816-F-05-001. This document is available at
http://www.epa.gov/ogwdw/lead/leadfactsheet.html.
"Drinking Water from Household Wells." US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water,
Washington, DC. January 2002, EPA 816-K-02-003. This document is available at
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/privatewells/booklet/index.html.
"Lead and Copper Rule: Short-Term Revisions and Clarifications Training." US Environmental Protection
Agency, Drinking Water Academy, Washington, DC. April 2008. This presentation is available at
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lcrmr/.
"Children and Drinking Water Standards." US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water,
Washington, DC. December 1999, 815-K-99-001. This document is available at
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/kids/kidshealth/.
"Drinking Water and Health: What You Need to Know!" US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of
Water, Washington, DC. October 1999, EPA 816-K-99-001. This document is available in English and
Spanish at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/dwh/index.html.
CDC Publications
"Preventing Lead Poisoning in Young Children." Center for Disease Control and
Prevention, Atlanta, GA. August 2005. This document is available at
http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/publications/pub_Reas.htm.
"Managing Elevated Blood Lead Levels Among Young Children: Recommendations from the Advisory
Committee on Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention." Center for Disease Control and Prevention,
Atlanta, GA. March 2002. This document is available at
http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/ CaseManagement/caseManage_main.htm.
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
Appendix D
Lead and Copper Rule Public
Education Requirements
Federal Regulatory Language
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
A Guide for Community Water Systems
Lead and Copper Rule Short-Term Revisions and
Clarifications that Relate to Public Education
Requirements
§141.85 Public education and supplemental monitoring requirements.
All water systems must deliver a consumer notice of lead tap water monitoring results to persons served by
the water system at sites that are tested, as specified in paragraph (d) of this section. A water system that
exceeds the lead action level based on tap water samples collected in accordance with §141.86 shall deliver
the public education materials contained in paragraph (a) of this section in accordance with the requirements
in paragraph (b) of this section. Water systems that exceed the lead action level must sample the tap water of
any customer who requests it in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section.
(a) Content of written public education materials.
(1) Community water systems and Non-transient non-community water systems. Water systems must
include the following elements in printed materials (e.g., brochures and pamphlets) in the same order as
listed below. In addition, paragraphs (a)(l)(i) through (ii) and (a)(l)(vi) must be included in the materials,
exactly as written, except for the text in brackets in these paragraphs for which the water system must
include system-specific information. Any additional information presented by a water system must be
consistent with the information below and be in plain language that can be understood by the general
public. Water systems must submit all written public education materials to the State prior to delivery.
The State may require the system to obtain approval of the content of written public materials prior to
delivery.
(i) IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT LEAD IN YOUR DRINKING WATER. [INSERT
NAME OF WATER SYSTEM] found elevated levels of lead in drinking water in some homes/buildings.
Lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Please read
this information closely to see what you can do to reduce lead in your drinking water.
(ii) Health effects of lead. Lead can cause serious health problems if too much enters your body from
drinking water or other sources. It can cause damage to the brain and kidneys, and can interfere with
the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen to all parts of your body. The greatest risk of lead
exposure is to infants, young children, and pregnant women. Scientists have linked the effects of lead
on the brain widi lowered IQ in children. Adults with kidney problems and high blood pressure can be
affected by low levels of lead more than healthy adults. Lead is stored in the bones, and it can be released
later in life. During pregnancy, the child receives lead from the mother's bones, which may affect brain
development.
(iii) Sources of Lead.
(A) Explain what lead is.
(B) Explain possible sources of lead in drinking water and how lead enters drinking water. Include
information on home/building plumbing materials and service lines that may contain lead.
(C) Discuss other important sources of lead exposure in addition to drinking water (e.g., paint).
(iv) Discuss the steps the consumer can take to reduce their exposure to lead in drinking water.
(A) Encourage running the water to flush out the lead.
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
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(B) Explain concerns with using hot water from the tap and specifically caution against the use of hot
water for preparing baby formula.
(C) Explain that boiling water does not reduce lead levels.
(D) Discuss other options consumers can take to reduce exposure to. lead in drinking water, such as
alternative sources or treatment of water.
(E) Suggest that parents have their child's blood tested for lead.
(v) Explain why there are elevated levels of lead in the system's drinking water (if known) and what the
water system is doing to reduce the lead levels in homes/buildings in this area.
(vi) For more information, call us at [INSERT YOUR NUMBER] [(IF APPLICABLE), or visit our Web
site at [INSERT YOUR WEB SITE HERE]]. For more information on reducing lead exposure around
your home/building and the health effects of lead, visit EPA's Web site at http://www.epa.gov/leaeloT
contact your health care provider.
(2) Community water systems. In addition to including the elements specified in paragraph (a)(l) of this
section, community water systems must:
(i) Tell consumers how to get their water tested.
(ii) Discuss lead in plumbing components and the difference between low lead and lead free.
(b) Delivery of public education materials.
(1) For public water systems serving a large proportion of non-English speaking consumers, as determined
by the State, the public education materials must contain information in the appropriate language(s)
regarding the importance of the notice or contain a telephone number or address where persons served
may contact the water system to obtain a translated copy of the public education materials or to request
assistance in the appropriate language.
(2) A community water system that exceeds the lead action level on the basis of tap water samples collected
in accordance with §141.86, and that is not already conducting public education tasks under this section,
must conduct the public education tasks under this section within 60 days after the end of the monitoring
period in which the exceedance occurred:
(i) Deliver printed materials meeting the content requirements of paragraph (a) of this section to all
bill paying customers.
(ii) (A) Contact customers who are most at risk by delivering education materials that meet the
content requirements of paragraph (a) of this section to local public health agencies even
if they are not located within the water system's service area, along with an informational notice
that encourages distribution to all the organization's potentially affected customers or community
water system's users. The water system must contact the local public health agencies directly by
phone or in person. The local public health agencies may provide a specific list of additional
community based organizations serving target populations, which may include organizations outside
the service area of the water system. If such lists are provided, systems must deliver education
materials that meet the content requirements of paragraph (a) of this section to all organizations on
the provided lists.
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(B) Contact customers who are most at risk by delivering materials that meet the content
requirements of paragraph (a) of this section to the following organizations listed in 1 through 6
that are located within the water system's service area, along with an informational notice that
encourages distribution to all the organization's potentially affected customers or community water
system's users:
(1) Public and private schools or school boards.
(2) Women Infants and Children (WIC) and Head Start programs.
(3) Public and private hospitals and medical clinics.
(4) Pediatricians.
(5) Family planning clinics.
(6) Local welfare agencies.
(C) Make a good faith effort to locate the following organizations widiin the service area and deliver
materials that meet the content requirements of paragraph (a) of this section to them, along with an
informational notice that encourages distribution to all potentially affected customers or users. The
good faith effort to contact at-risk customers may include requesting a specific contact list of these
organizations from the local public health agencies, even if the agencies are not located within the
water system's service area:
(1) Licensed childcare centers
(2) Public and private preschools.
(3) Obstetricians-Gynecologists and Midwives.
(iii) No less often than quarterly, provide information on or in each water bill as long as the system
exceeds the action level for lead. The message on the water bill must include the following statement
exactly as written except for the text in brackets for which the water system must include system-specific
information: [INSERT NAME OF WATER SYSTEM] found high levels of lead in drinking water in
some homes. Lead can cause serious health problems. For more information please call [INSERT NAME
OF WATER SYSTEM] [or visit (INSERT YOUR WEB SITE HERE)]. The message or delivery
mechanism can be modified in consultation with the State; specifically, the State may allow a separate
mailing of public education materials to customers if the water system cannot place the information on
water bills.
(iv) Post material meeting the content requirements of paragraph (a) of this section on the water system's
Web site if the system serves a population greater than 100,000.
(v) Submit a press release to newspaper, television and radio stations.
(vi) In addition to paragraphs (b)(2)(i) through (v) of this section, systems must implement at least
three activities from one or more categories listed below. The educational content and selection of these
activities must be determined in consultation with the State.
(A) Public Service Announcements.
(B) Paid advertisements.
(C) Public Area Information Displays.
(D) Emails to customers.
(E) Public Meetings.
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(F) Household Deliveries.
(G) Targeted Individual Customer Contact.
(H) Direct material distribution to all multi-family homes and institutions.
(I) Other methods approved by the State.
(vii) For systems that are required to conduct monitoring annually or less frequently, the end of the
monitoring period is September 30 of the calendar year in which the sampling occurs, or, if the State has
established an alternate monitoring period, the last day of that period.
(3) As long as a community water system exceeds the action level, it must repeat the activities pursuant to
paragraph (b)(2) of this section as described in paragraphs (b)(3)(i) through (iv) of this section.
(i) A community water system shall repeat the tasks contained in paragraphs (b)(2)(i), (ii) and (vi) of this
section every 12 months.
(ii) A community water system shall repeat tasks contained in paragraph (b)(2)(iii) of this section with
each billing cycle.
(iii) A community water system serving a population greater than 100,000 shall post and retain material
on a publicly accessible Web site pursuant to paragraph (b)(2)(iv) of this section.
(iv) The community water system shall repeat the task in paragraph (b)(2)(v) of this section twice every
12 months on a schedule agreed upon with the State. The State can allow activities in paragraph (b)
(2) of this section to extend beyond the 60-day requirement if needed for implementation purposes on
a case-by-case basis; however, this extension must be approved in writing by the State in advance of the
60-day deadline.
(4) Within 60 days after the end of the monitoring period in which the exceedance occurred (unless it
already is repeating public education tasks pursuant to paragraph (b)(5) of this section), a non-transient
non-community water system shall deliver the public education materials specified by paragraph (a) of this
section as follows:
(i) Post informational posters on lead in drinking water in a public place or common area in each of the
buildings served by the system; and
(ii) Distribute informational pamphlets and/or brochures on lead in drinking water to each person
served by the non-transient non-community water system. The State may allow the system to utilize
electronic transmission in lieu of or combined with printed materials as long as it achieves at least the
same coverage.
(iii) For systems that are required to conduct monitoring annually or less frequently, the end of the
monitoring period is September 30 of the calendar year in which the sampling occurs, or, if the State has
established an alternate monitoring period, the last day of that period.
(5) A non-transient non-community water system shall repeat the tasks contained in paragraph (b)(4) of
this section at least once during each calendar year in which the system exceeds the lead action level. The
State can allow activities in (b)(4) of this section to extend beyond the 60-day requirement if needed for
implementation purposes on a case-by-case basis; however, this extension must be approved in writing by
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
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the State in advance of the 60-day deadline.
(6) A water system may discontinue delivery of public education materials if the system has met the lead
action level during the most recent six-month monitoring period conducted pursuant to §141.86. Such a
system shall recommence public education in accordance with this section if it subsequently exceeds the
lead action level during any monitoring period.
(7) A community water system may apply to the State, in writing, (unless the State has waived the
requirement for prior State approval) to use only the text specified in paragraph (a)(l) of this section in lieu
of the text in paragraphs (a)(l) and (a) (2) of this section and to perform the tasks listed in paragraphs (b)
(4) and (b)(5) of this section in lieu of the tasks in paragraphs (b)(2) and (b)(3) of this section if:
(i) The system is a facility, such as a prison or a hospital, where the population served is not capable of or
is prevented from making improvements to plumbing or installing point of use treatment devices; and
(ii) The system provides water as part of the cost of services provided and does not separately charge for
water consumption.
(8) A community water system serving 3,300 or fewer people may limit certain aspects of their public
education programs as follows:
(i) With respect to the requirements of paragraph (b)(2)(vi) of this section, a system serving 3,300 or
fewer must implement at least one of the activities listed in that paragraph.
(ii) With respect to the requirements of paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section, a system serving 3,300 or
fewer people may limit the distribution of the public education materials required under that paragraph
to facilities and organizations served by the system that are most likely to be visited regularly by
pregnant women and children.
(iii) With respect to the requirements of paragraph (b)(2)(v) of this section, the State may waive this
requirement for systems serving 3,300 or fewer persons as long as system distributes notices to every
household served by the system.
(c) Supplemental monitoring and notification of results.
A water system that fails to meet the lead action level on the basis of tap samples collected in accordance with
§141.86 shall offer to sample the tap water of any customer who requests it. The system is not required to
pay for collecting or analyzing the sample, nor is the system required to collect and analyze the sample itself.
(d) Notification of results.
(1) Reporting requirement. All water systems must provide a notice of the individual tap results from lead
tap water monitoring carried out under the requirements of §141.86 to the persons served by the water
system at the specific sampling site from which the sample was taken (e.g., the occupants of the residence
where the tap was tested).
(2) Timing of notification. A water system must provide the consumer notice as soon as practical, but no
later than 30 days after the system learns of the tap monitoring results.
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Implementing The Lead Public Education Provision of the LCR:
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(3) Content. The consumer notice must include the results of lead tap water monitoring for the tap that
was tested, an explanation of the health effects of lead, list steps consumers can take to reduce exposure
to lead in drinking water and contact information for the water utility. The notice must also provide the
maximum contaminant level goal and the action level for lead and the definitions for these two terms from
§!4l.l53(c).
(4) Delivery. The consumer notice must be provided to persons served at the tap that was tested, either
by mail or by another method approved by the State. For example, upon approval by the State, a non-
transient non-community water system could post the results on a bulletin board in the facility to allow
users to review the information. The system must provide the notice to customers at sample taps tested,
including consumers who do not receive water bills.
Section 141.90 Reporting Requirements
(f)(l) Any water system that is subject to the public education requirements in Sec. 141.85 shall, within 10
days after the end of each period in which the system is required to perform public education in accordance
with Sec. 141.85 (b), send written documentation to the State that contains:
(i) A demonstration that the system has delivered the public education materials that meet the content
requirements in Sec. 141.85 (a) and the delivery requirements in Sec. 141.85 (b); and
(3) No later than 3 months following the end of the monitoring period, each system must mail a sample
copy of the consumer notification results to the State along with a certification that the notification has been
distributed in a manner consistent with the requirements of Sec. 141.85 (d).
Lead and Copper Rule Short-Term Revisions and
Clarifications that Relate to Consumer Confidence
Reports (CCR)
§141,154 Required additional health information.
(d) Every report must include the following lead-specific information:
(1) A short informational statement about lead in drinking water and its effects on children. The
statement must include the following information:
If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and
young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with
service lines and home plumbing. [NAME OF UTILITY] is responsible for providing high quality
drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your
water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your
tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about
lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing
methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline
or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.
(2) A system may write its own educational statement, but only in consultation with the State.
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Appendix E
Lead and Copper CWS
Public Education Fact Sheet
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vvEFA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Lead and Copper Rule: Public Education & Other Public
Information Requirements for Community Water Systems
Public Education Requirements
Utilities must ensure that water from the customers tap does not exceed the action level for lead in drinking water (15
ppb) in at least 90 percent of the homes sampled. If you have a lead action level exceedance you must complete the
following steps to comply with the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) public education (PE) requirements.
Section 141.85 of the LCR regulations contains specific requirements regarding the content and delivery of your public
education program. To learn more about the revisions to the public education requirements, refer to Implementing the
Lead Public Education Provision of the Lead and Copper Rule: A Guide for Community Water Systems, Section 1, page 5.
Step 1: Develop the content of your written public education materials.
The following information must be included in your PE materials. The text in italics is mandatory and must be
included as written. Headings in bold must be addressed, but can be customized. Fill-in-the-blank templates (in
English and Spanish) are available at: www.epa.gov/safewater/lcrmr/compliancehelp.html. More information can
be found in Implementing the Lead Public Education Provision of the Lead and Copper Rule: A Guide
for Community Water Systems; Section 1, page 8: Required Content of Public Education Materials and
Appendix B: Public Education templates.
Informational
Statement
* Mandatory language
Important Information about Lead in Your Drinking Water
[Insert name of water system] found elevated levels of lead in drinking water in some homes/
buildings. Lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young
children. Please read this information closely to see what you can do to reduce lead in your
drinking water.
Health Effects of
Lead
* Mandatory language
Lead can cause serious health problems if too much enters your body from drinking water
or other sources. It can cause damage to the brain and kidneys, and can interfere with the
production of red blood cells that carry oxygen to all parts of your body. The greatest risk of
lead exposure is to infants, young children, and pregnant women. Scientists have linked the
effects of lead on the brain with lowered IQ in children. Adults with kidney problems and high
blood pressure can be affected by low levels of lead more than healthy adults. Lead is stored
in the bones and it can be released later in life. During pregnancy, the child receives lead from
the mother's bones, which may affect brain development.
Sources of Lead
* Can be customized;
Example language
Lead is a common metal found in the environment. The main sources of lead exposure
are lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust or soil, and some plumbing materials.
In addition, lead can be found in certain types of pottery, pewter, brass fixtures, food, and
cosmetics. Other sources include exposure in the work place and exposure from certain
hobbies (lead can be carried on clothing or shoes). Brass faucets, fittings, and valves, including
those advertised as "lead-free," may contribute lead to drinking water. EPA estimates that 10
to 20 percent of a person's potential exposure to lead may come from drinking water. Infants
who consume mostly formula mixed with lead-containing water can receive 40 to 60 percent
of their exposure to lead from drinking water.
Office of Water (4606M)
EPA816-F-08-019
June 2008
www.epa.gov/safewater/
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United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Table 1. Required Content and Language for Public Education Materials (continued)
Section
Language
Steps you can take
to reduce your
exposure to lead in
your water
* Can be customized;
Example language
1. Run your water to flush out lead. Run water for 15 - 30 seconds to flush lead from
interior plumbing [or insert a different flushing time if your system has representative data
indicating a different flushing time would better reduce lead exposure in your community
and if the Primacy Agency approves the wording] or until it becomes cold or reaches a
steady temperature before using it for drinking or cooking, if it hasn't been used for several
hours. [It is likely that systems with lead service lines will need to collect data to determine
the appropriate flushing time for lead service lines.]1
2. Use cold water for cooking and preparing baby formula. Lead dissolves more easily
into hot water.
3. Do not boil water to remove lead. Boiling water will not reduce lead.
4. Look for alternative sources or treatment of water. You may want to consider
purchasing bottled water or a water filter. Read the package to be sure the filter is
approved to reduce lead or contact NSF International at 800-NSF-8010 or.www.nsf.org for
information on performance standards for water filters.
5. Test your water for lead. Call us at [insert phone number for your water system] to find
out how to get your water tested for lead. [Include information on your water system's
testing program. For example, do you provide free testing? Are there labs in your area that
are certified to do lead in water testing?)
6. Get your child's blood tested. Contact your local health department or healthcare
provider to find out how you can get your child tested for lead, if you are concerned about
exposure.
7. Identify and replace plumbing fixtures containing lead. Brass faucets, fittings, and
valves, including those advertised as "lead-free," may contribute lead to drinking water. The
law currently allows end-use brass fixtures, such as faucets, with up to 8% lead to be labeled
as "lead free." Visit the NSF Web site at www.nsf.org to learn more about lead-containing
plumbing fixtures.
What happened?
What is being
done?
* Can be customized;
Example language
[Insert information about how and when the exceedance was discovered in your community
and provide information on the source(s) of lead in the drinking water, if known.]
[Insert information about what your system is doing to reduce lead levels in homes in your
community]
For More
Information
* Mandatory language
Call us at [Insert Number] or (if applicable) visit our Web site at [insert Web site Here]. For
more information on reducing lead exposure around your home/building and the health
effects of lead, visit EPA's Web site at www.epa.gov/lead, or contact your health care provider.
[We recommend you include the name of your system and the date that the information is
being distributed, along with the state water system ID, somewhere on the notice.]
'The bracketed language does not need to be included, as worded, in your materials. It is designed to alert systems that, where
applicable, lead service lines might affect the flushing time.
Different Language Communities. If significant proportions of the population in your community speak languages
other than English, the PE materials must contain information in the appropriate language(s) regarding the importance
of the notice or a contact where persons can obtain a translation or assistance.
Office of Water (4606M)
EPA816-F-08-019
June 2008
www.epa.gov/safewater/
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v-xEPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Step 2: Get State approval.
You must submit all written PE materials to the Primacy Agency prior to delivery. The Primacy
Agency may require you to obtain approval of PE materials prior to delivery.
Step 3: Deliver your public education materials.
Timing: All public education materials must be delivered within 60 days after
the end of the monitoring period in which the exceedance occurred and repeated
once every 12 months, EXCEPT providing information on or in each water bill,
which must be included in each billing cycle (no less than quarterly or the Primacy
Agency can approve a separate mailing) and two press releases per 12 month
period for as long as you exceed the lead action level. Also, the Primacy Agency
can allow activities to extend beyond the 60-day requirement if needed for implementation purposes;
however, this extension must be approved in writing in advance of the 60-day deadline. Note: This extension is only
appropriate if the system has initiated public education activities prior to the end of the 60-day deadline.
For more information go to Implementing the Lead Public Education Provision of the Lead and Copper Rule: A Guide for
Community Water Systems; Section 1, page 9: Required Methods of Delivery for Community Water Systems.
Table 2. Required Methods of Delivery for Small and Large Community Water Systems
Small (<3,300 customers)
Large (>3,300 customers)
Deliver printed materials (pamphlets, brochures, posters)
to all bill paying customers
Deliver printed materials (pamphlets, brochures, posters)
to all bill paying customers
Deliver public education materials to the following
facilities and organizations that are served by the system
that are most likely to be visited regularly by pregnant
women and children:
1. Local public health agencies1
2. Public and private schools or school boards
3. Women Infants and Children (WIC) and Head Start
programs
4. Public and private hospitals and medical clinics
5. Pediatricians
6. Family planning clinics
7. Local welfare agencies
Deliver public education materials to the following
organizations that are located within your service area,
along with a cover letter encouraging distribution to all
potentially affected customers or users:
1. Local public health agencies
2. Public and private schools or school boards
3. Women Infants and Children (WIC) and Head Start
programs
4. Public and private hospitals and medical clinics
5. Pediatricians
6. Family planning clinics
7. Local welfare agencies
'If you do not have a local public health agency, you should contact your State Health Department.
Tip: To obtain a list of organizations in your area, contact your local Public Health Agency. Additional informational resources of
associations and licensing agencies of these organizations may be found in Implementing the Public Education Provision of the
Lead and Copper Rule: A Guide for Community Water Systems; Appendix C.
Systems are required to contact their local Public Health Agencies directly (either in person or by phone).
Office of Water (4606M)
EPA816-F-08-019
June 2008
www.epa.gov/safewater/
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United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Table 2. Required Methods of Delivery for Small and Large Community Water Systems (continued)
Small (< 3,300 customers)
Make a good faith effort to locate the following
organizations within the service area and deliver materials
that meet the content requirements, along with an
informational notice that encourages distribution to all
potentially affected customers or users. The good faith
effort to contact at-risk customers may include requesting
a specific contact list of the organizations from the local
Public Health Agencies, even if the agencies are not
located within the water system service area:2
1 . Licensed childcare centers
2. Public and private preschools
3. Obstetricians-Gynecologists and Midwives
Provide information on or in each water bill (no less than
quarterly or Primacy Agency can approve a separate
mailing)3'4
Submit press release to newspaper, television, and radio
stations5
Conduct one (1 ) activity from one of the following
general categories:67
Public Service Announcements
Paid Advertisements
Display Information in Public Areas
Email to Customers
Public Meetings
Delivery to Every Household
Provide Materials Directly to Multi-family Homes
Other Methods Approved by the Primacy Agency
Large (>3,300 customers)
Make a good faith effort to locate the following
organizations within the service area and deliver materials
that meet the content requirements, along with an
informational notice that encourages distribution to all
potentially affected customers or users. The good faith
effort to contact at-risk customers may include requesting
a specific contact list of the organizations from the local
Public Health Agencies, even if the agencies are not
located within the water system service area:2
1 . Licensed childcare centers
2. Public and private pre-schools
3. Obstetricians-Gynecologists and Midwives
Provide information on or in each water bill (no less than
quarterly or Primacy Agency can approve a separate
mailing)34
Submit press release to newspaper, television, and radio
stations
Conduct three (3) activities from one, two, or three of the
following general categories:67 8
Public Service Announcements
Paid Advertisements
Display Information in Public Areas
Email to Customers
Public Meetings
Delivery to Every Household
Provide Materials Directly to Multi-family Homes
Other Methods Approved by the Primacy Agency
Post material on a publicly accessible Web site (for
systems serving > 100,000 individuals)
2For further clarification of a good faith effort, you should consult with your Primacy Agency.
3Primacy Agency may allow a separate mailing if you cannot place information on the water bill.
4You may add additional pages (e.g., public education brochure) to the Consumer Confidence Report if timing is appropriate.
However, it may be rare that timing will coincide, given that the CCR must contain compliance data collected in the previous
calendar year and the report must be provided to consumers no later than July 1 (i.e., the report issued by July 1, 2007 contains
compliance data collected in calendar year 2006).
'Primacy Agency may waive this requirement as long as you distribute notices to every household served by your system.
6You should discuss/verify with your Primacy Agency to ensure fulfillment of all requirements.
7Appendix B of Implementing the Lead Public Education Provision of the Lead and Copper Rule: A Guide for Community Water Systems
contains customizable templates for PE materials that may be used to meet these requirements.
8For example, you may do 3 PSAs or 3 public meetings if the Primacy Agency allows.
Office of Water (4606M)
EPA816-F-08-019
June 2008
www.epa.gov/safewater/
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United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Table 3. Other Public Information Requirements - Regardless of An Action Level Exceedance
Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) Requirements1
Every report must include the following lead-specific information: If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious
health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials
and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. [NAME OF UTILITY] is responsible for providing high
quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has
been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to
2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to
have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize
exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.
A system may write its own statement in consultation with the Primacy Agency.
Notification of Results - Reporting Requirements2
Must provide a consumer notice of lead tap water monitoring results to all persons served at the tap from which the
sample was taken.
Must provide consumer notice as soon as practical, but no later than 30 days after system learns of tap monitoring
results.
Must include the following information: results of lead tap water monitoring, an explanation of the health effects of
lead (you may use the health effects language found in Table 1), list steps consumers can take to reduce exposure to
lead in drinking water, and utility contact information. This notice must also include the maximum contaminant level
goal (MCLG) for lead and the action level (AL) for lead and the following definitions for these two terms:
The MCLG for lead is zero and the action level is 15ppb. The MCLG is 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. The action level
is the concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water
system must follow.
Must be provided to all persons served at the site by mail or other methods (subject to approval by the Primacy Agency).
This includes those who do not receive a water bill.
'CWSs in States where EPA is the Primacy Agency or have adopted the Revisions by December 2008 must begin including the lead
informational statement in CCRs that are due to consumers by July 1, 2009 (i.e. the 2008 CCR). Otherwise, CWSs must begin to
include this information in the 2009 CCR.
2Consumer Notification of Results templates are available in Appendix B of Implementing the Lead Public Education Provision of the
Lead and Copper Rule: A Guide for Community Water Systems.
For Additional Information:
Implementing the Lead Public Education Provision of the Lead and Copper Rule: A Guide for Community Water Systems
(EPA 816-R-08-007, June 2008).
EPA's Website on Lead in Drinking Water - Lead and Copper Rule: www.epa.gov/safewater/lcrmr
EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline: (800) 426-4791
Your Primacy Agency
Disclaimer: This document is designed for Community Water Systems; the guidance contained in this document does not
substitute for provisions or regulations, nor is it a regulation itself. Thus, it does not impose legally-binding requirements on
EPA, States, or the regulated community, and may not apply to a particular situation based upon the circumstances.
Office of Water (4606M)
EPA816-F-08-019
June 2008
www.epa.gov/safewater/
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