Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act Development of the Strategic Plan for Targeted Outreach to Populations Affected by Lead


Vs,EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
O
Strategic Plan for Targeted Outreach to
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Note: This is an interactive document with embedded hyperlinks to supporting information. A printed version of this
document will not contain this functionality.
Office of Water (4606]
EPA 816-B-17-007
June 2017
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Table of Contents
Executive Summary	1
Background	2
Steps to Disseminate Information to Households	4
1.	EPA Develops or Receives Data	4
2.	EPA Forwards Data to the Public Water System and Primacy Agency	5
3.	The Owner/Operator of Public Water System Shall Disseminate	5
Steps to Disseminate Information to Households in the Event of Failure to Do So by the Primacy Agency or
Public Water System	7
4.	EPA Consultation with State Governor	7
5.	Dissemination of the Information Based on the Plan	7
6.	EPA to Disseminate Information	7
Appendix A: Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act	8
Appendix B: Templates and Resources	10
Notice to Affected Household - Sample Templates	13
Translations for English Instructions	20
Confirmation Sample Template	23
Additional References:	24
Appendix C: Stakeholder Engagement	25
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Executive Summary
The Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act was enacted on December 16, 2016,
and includes provisions regarding water infrastructure and drinking water. The WIIN Act added Section
1414(c)(5), "Exceedance of Lead Level at Households," to Section 1414(c) of the Safe Drinking Water Act
(SDWA). This Section requires EPA to develop a strategic plan that identifies how EPA, primacy agencies,
and owners and operators of public water systems will provide targeted outreach, education, technical
assistance, and risk communication to populations affected by lead in drinking water, including
dissemination of information specified in Section 1414(c)(5)(C). The Strategic Plan provides:
•	A description of the requirements in the "Exceedance of Lead Level at Households" section of the
WIIN Act.
•	An easy-to-follow workflow illustrating the roles and responsibilities of EPA, the primacy agencies,
and public water systems in implementing the specific notice provisions in the Act for providing
certain lead information to affected households.
•	Standard forms and templates to assist in data evaluation, targeted outreach to households, and
notification confirmation related to this notice provision.
Many public water systems already collaborate with primacy agencies, as needed, in order to meet the
notification requirements for samples collected under the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR). The Strategic Plan
outlines standard operating procedures EPA intends to follow in implementing SDWA Section 1414(c)(5)
regarding how EPA will interact with the primacy agencies and the owners/operators of public water
systems upon developing or receiving data from a source other than a state or public water system, that
indicates one or more households served by a public water system have drinking water with lead
concentrations that exceed the lead action level. Upon receiving this data, EPA intends to gather
information on the sampling protocols and analytical methods used to collect and analyze the data. EPA
will work collaboratively with the primacy agencies and public water system to disseminate information in a
timely and effective manner to the affected households consistent with the WIIN Act.
The Strategic Plan provides resources to support effective communication with consumers about the
potential adverse health effects of drinking water that contains a concentration of lead that exceeds the
action level under section 141.80(c) of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations. In addition, the plan also
includes templates and suggested language that cover what information should be collected about
samples, the required information that needs to be included when notifying households affected by lead,
and the delivery confirmation process. This Strategic Plan is a resource for EPA, primacy agencies, and
public water systems, to implement effective targeted outreach to populations affected by lead in drinking
water.
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Background
The WIIN Act, enacted on December 16, 2016, amended Section 1414(c) of the Safe Drinking Water Act
(SDWA), ("Notice to Persons Served"), by adding a new Section 1414(c)(5) "Exceedance of Lead Level at
Households" (see Appendix A). This section directs EPA to develop a strategic plan within 180 days after
enactment, in collaboration with public water systems and states with primary enforcement responsibility
(see Appendix C). The purpose of the strategic plan is to identify how EPA, primacy agencies, and owners
and operators of public water systems will work together to provide targeted outreach, education,
technical assistance, and risk communication to populations affected by the concentration of lead in a
public water system, including dissemination of information specified in Section 1414(c)(5)(C). The
statutory deadline to complete and publish the strategic plan is June 14, 2017.
In particular, the plan is intended to address how EPA, states and public water systems will coordinate in
providing the specific notice required under Section 1414(c)(5)(B) of the Act. That provision requires EPA to
forward data and information to the owner and/or operator of a public water system and the primacy
agency when EPA develops or receives certain data from a source other than a state or public water
system, indicating that the drinking water of a household exceeds the action level for lead (See Figure 1 for
a flow diagram of the process).1 The notifications described in the strategic plan would not be for samples
that were collected under a compliance monitoring plan used by public water systems to meet the
requirements of the federal Lead and Copper Rule (LCR).
Under the Act, if the public water system receives the data and has not, since the date of the test, notified
the affected household(s) of the concentration of lead and that it exceeds the action level, then the public
water system is required to disseminate information on:
(i)	the potential adverse effects of lead on human health,
(ii)	the steps that the public water system is taking to mitigate the concentration of lead, and
(iii)	the necessity of seeking alternative water supplies until the concentration of lead is mitigated.
The public water system must disseminate that information by a deadline established by EPA. If the system
does not meet that deadline, then, no later than 24 hours after EPA learns that the system has not met the
deadline, EPA must consult with the applicable Governor, within a period of time not to exceed 24-hours,
to develop a plan to disseminate the required information no later than 24 hours after the consultation
period ends. In those instances where the public water system does not disseminate the information and
EPA and the Governor do not agree on a plan to disseminate the information, EPA is required to
disseminate the information as soon as practicable.
In addition to the requirement to disseminate the required information, EPA strongly recommends
notifying the affected households of the sampling results with a statement explaining that the results
exceed the action level (see Appendix IB). The information that must be distributed under the SDWA Section
1414(c)(5) is similar to some of the information that public water systems must distribute under the LCR
public education requirements, although the triggering events, persons to be notified and timelines are
different. In general, the public education requirements in the LCR are triggered by action level
exceedances of the concentration of lead in more than 10% of tap samples collected, whereas the
information dissemination requirements in Section 1414(c)(5)(B) are triggered by an action level
exceedance in individual households.
1	Lead action level is currently set at 0.015 mg/L (40 CFR 141.80(c)(1))
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Figure l.Flow Diagram Illustrating 1414(c)(5)(B) - Click on numbered steps to go to associated discussion and find
more detailed information.
1. EPA receives or
develops household
drinking water data
that exceeds 15ppb
Did PWS
disseminate
information
on time?
No
Yes
Yes
Notice
requirements
met
No
6. EPA disseminates
information to
affected households
As soon as practicable
Was required
information
disseminated
on time?
No
Yes
Did EPA and
Governor
agree on a plan
within 24
\ hours? /
2. EPA forwards
sampling data to PWS
and State
3. PWS, or State on behalf
of the PWS, disseminates
information to affected
household(s)
Timeline: 2-5 days
5. Information is
disseminated to
affected households
Within 24 hours after
consultation period
ends
4. No later than 24 hours
after EPA becomes aware of
PWS's failure to notify
EPA consults State Governor
to develop information
dissemination plan
Within a period not to
exceed 24 hours
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Steps to Disseminate Information to Households
In the event that EPA develops, or receives from a source other than from a primacy agency or public water
system, data that meets the requirements of SDWA Section 1412(b)(3)(A)(ii), EPA intends to follow the
steps below to comply with the Act.
1. EPA Develops or Receives Data
Requirements of SDWA Section 1414(c)(5) are triggered if: EPA develops or receives data2, other than from a
primacy agency or a public water system, indicating that one or more households that are served drinking water by
g public wgter system contgin legd in their drinking wgter thgt exceeds the legd gction level3 ("gpplicgble dgtg").
An EPA employee who receives data indicating that one or more households that are served by a public
water system have lead in their drinking water that exceeds the lead action level should send a notification
to the manager responsible for the Public Water System Supervision (PWSS) program at the respective
regional office. The designated individual in the drinking water program will, to the extent practicable,
complete the Data Submission template provided in Appendix IB. EPA intends to use this template to
collect, share and create a record of the data EPA received, including the sampling protocols and analytical
methods used to collect the data. Upon receiving the information, EPA intends to complete the data
submission template by close-of-business the following business day. This template will then be sent to the
primacy agency and the public water system.
In determining if the data was collected by "accepted methods or best available methods" EPA will consider
all the available information regarding the analytical method used to analyze the samples. The analytical
methods that have been approved for drinking water compliance are examples of accepted
methods4. Other analytical methods may also be considered "accepted" or "best available" based on EPA's
case-by-case consideration of all of the information available about the data and the analytical method
used to analyze the sample.
SDWA Section 1414(c)(5)(B), as added by the WIIN Act amendments, only applies when the data is from a
household served by a public water system. If the data developed or received by EPA is associated with a
household served by a water system that does not meet the definition of "public water system" (e.g.
because it serves fewer than 25 persons), then the notification requirements of SDWA Section 1414(c)(5)
are not triggered. In this situation EPA will still work to share important information with the affected
household. EPA intends to contact the relevant state agency to determine appropriate next steps to inform
the homeowner of the data collected and steps to take to minimize their exposure.
If the data provided fails to trigger the WIIN Act amendments because the result was below the action level
or the analytical method used was not an accepted or best available method (e.g., only a presence/absence
test), then EPA will work with the state primacy agency to follow up with the individual who submitted the
data and provide information regarding lead in drinking water and potential health risks, in addition to
2	This refers only to data must meet the requirements of section 1412(b)(3)(A)(ii), i.e., "data collected by accepted
methods or best available methods (if the reliability of the method and the nature of the decision justifies use of the
data)."
3	Lead action level, 40 CFR 141.80, or a prescribed level of lead established for public education or notification in
section 1412.
4	The current list of approved methods can be found in the Table in 40 CFR 141.23(k)(l) plus Appendix A to Subpart C
of Part 141.
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answering any questions the individual might have regarding lead exposure, sampling/testing, and ways to
minimize lead exposure.
2.	EPA Forwards Data to the Public Water System and Primacy Agency
Requirements: EPA will forward the applicable data and information on sampling and analytical techniques to the
owner/operator of the public water system and the state primacy agency in which the affected household is
located.
The WIIN Act directs the Administrator to require an "appropriate employee of the Agency" to forward the
data and information on the sampling techniques to the public water system and the state in which the
affected household is located, within a time period determined by the Administrator. As indicated in the
previous section, the "appropriate employee" sending the data will be the manager responsible for
implementing the PWSS program in the EPA regional office or the division director for PWSS
implementation at EPA headquarters. With respect to the appropriate time period, as a general matter, the
EPA employee intends to send a copy of the completed Data Submission Template to the public water
system and state primacy agency the next day after completing the form.
3.	The Owner/Operator of Public Water System Shall Disseminate
Reguirements: If a public water system receives the data referenced above and has not since the date of the test,
notified the affected households with respect to the concentration of lead in the drinking water; as well as
indicating that the lead concentration exceeds the lead action level, the water system shall disseminate the
reguired information.
The public water system should disseminate5 the required information to the household as soon as
practicable, and EPA will work with the state and public water system to determine an appropriate timeline
at the time of the event, based on such factors as the level of lead and the number of households that
must be notified. As a general rule of thumb, the likely timeframes would be:
>	2 business days for one to ten households.
>	5 business days for 11 or more households.
Other factors may suggest a longer or shorter period of time. For example, if the public water system lack
capacity to easily disseminate additional time may be allowed whereas if factors indicate a significant
health based risk less time may be required.
The WIIN requires that the following information must be sent to the affected households:
(i)	a clear explanation of the potential adverse effects on human health of drinking water that contains
a concentration of lead that exceeds the lead action level under section 141.80(c) of title 40, Code of
Federal Regulations (or a prescribed level of lead that the Administrator establishes for public
education or notification in a successor regulation promulgated pursuant to section 1412);
(ii)	the steps that the owner or operator of the public water system is taking to mitigate the
concentration of lead; and
5 Determined timelines are met when the information is disseminated. It will not include any additional time for the
homeowner to receive the information.
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(iii) the necessity of seeking alternative water supplies until the date on which the concentration of lead
is mitigated.
EPA has developed example templates for public water systems, states or EPA employees that are
disseminating information to the affected households as outlined in SDWA Section 1414(c)(5)(B). There are
two versions of the templates located in Appendix IB. One is for the situation when the household's lead
sample result and the 90th percentile value for the water system are greater than 15 ppb. The other is for
a situation when the household's lead sample result greater than 15 ppb and the water system's 90th
percentile level is below the action level. EPA's example notification templates have a section for sample
results compared to the lead action level, and provide general information on lead in drinking water, and
contact information. The templates also include the language required by Section 1414(c)(5)(C) regarding
potential health effects and the necessity of seeking alternate supply, and have space for water systems to
describe what steps it is taking to mitigate the concentration of lead. The templates also include
information about how customers can reduce their exposure to lead. EPA has also provided a brief
translation for non-English speakers that can be provided to the affected households. The translation
states "This report contains important information about your drinking water" and it is translated into 27
languages. This template is also included in Appendix IB.
In addition, the public water system may wish to include confirmation sampling guidance and resources for
the household, including information about lead testing/results for the public water system (if available).
The public water system should consider contacting other local agencies, including health departments,
that may provide assistance or resources to help further educate the affected household(s).
Information should be directly delivered to the affected household(s) by mail, preferably certified mail,
hand delivered, or may be provided via electronic delivery if the public water system has a robust online
billing system and a means to ensure that they will be able to reach the affected household directly6 via
email. Public water systems or states that decide to utilize electronic notifications, are strongly encouraged
to follow the Safe Drinking Water Act - Consumer Confidence Report Delivery Options Memorandum for
best practices.
The information must be disseminated to affected households, and therefore it should be directed to
occupants of the households. If the occupants are not the property owners, the public water system should
also send a copy of the information to the owner or property manager. If the billing address does not
appear to be the service location (i.e. if the bill goes to an address other than the service address or to a PO
Box) the public water system should consider hand-delivered notifications or other methods to meet the
requirement to notify the affected household. If the household is an apartment, the information must be
disseminated to the unit(s) tested, and should also be provided to the property owner or property
manager. If the household is unoccupied, the information must be provided to the owner. EPA
recommends that it also be provided to the person that submitted the applicable data.
Once the public water system has disseminated the required information, the public water system should
notify EPA and the primacy agency with a confirmation of delivery to the affected household. Appendix IB
has an example template of a confirmation of delivery. Confirmation may be submitted by email, fax, or
mail, along with a copy of the information sent to the affected household. EPA suggests that confirmation
sent by email and include a receipt request. These methods will help ensure prompt notification within the
6 "Directly Deliver" requirements are discussed in the Safe Drinking Water Act-Consumer Confidence Report Rule
Delivery Options Memorandum attachment, page 4. See Appendix IB - Additional References for link to document.
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dissemination timeframe so that EPA does not unnecessarily initiate consultation with the Governor as
described in Step 4 of the Strategic Plan.
The state primacy agency may disseminate the required information on behalf of the water system.
Steps to Disseminate Information to Households in the Event of
Failure to Do So by the Primacy Agency or Public Water System
4.	EPA Consultation with State Governor7
Requirements: If the public water system does not disseminate the required information within the time period
established by EPA, not later than 24 hours after EPA becomes aware that the public water system did not notify
the affected households, the EPA Administrator (or designated representative, see below) must consult with the
State's Governor, within a period not to exceed 24 hours, to develop a plan, in accordance with the Strategic Plan
to disseminate the required information to affected households no later than 24 hours after the end of the
consultation period.
EPA has up to 24 hours to initiate consultation with the Governor after becoming aware of the public water
system's failure to disseminate the information. The EPA representative and Governor will have 24 hours to
develop a plan. The EPA Administrator may delegate the duty to consult to an employee of the Agency
who, as of the date of the delegation, works in the Office of Water at the headquarters of the Agency.
If EPA contacts the Governor's office by email, EPA will include the State's Drinking Water Administrator in
the communication.
5.	Dissemination of the Information Based on the Plan
Reguirements: Within 24 hours of the conclusion of the consultation period, the reguired information will be
disseminated in accordance with the plan developed by the Governor and the EPA.
EPA recommends that the State notify EPA that the required information has been disseminated by
sending EPA a confirmation notice. (See Appenc	template of certification.)
The plan developed by the Governor and EPA may allow another entity (e.g., primacy agency, county
environmental or health department) to disseminate the information.
6.	EPA to Disseminate I nformation
Reguirements: If the public water system does not disseminate the information within the time period determined
by EPA and EPA and the Governor do not agree on a plan during the consultation period, or the Governor does
not disseminate the information within 24 hours of the end of the consultation period, EPA is reguired to
distribute information to the affected households as soon as practicable.
If EPA and the Governor do not come to an agreement in the established timeline regarding the
notifications, then EPA will provide the required information to the affected households. EPA will utilize the
templates developed in Appendix IB. EPA will utilize the same strategy described in Step 3, with respect to
determining the timeline to send the notifications based on the number of affected households requiring
notification.
7 Or other appropriate leader, e.g., the Mayor of the District of Columbia. For public water systems where EPA has
direct implementation, this process will involve joint dissemination between the Regional Administrator and the
appropriate head of government.
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Appendix A: Water Infrastructure Improvements for the
Nation (WIIN) Act
(5) EXCEEDANCE OF LEAD LEVEL AT HOUSEHOLDS. —
(A)	STRATEGIC PLAN.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the
Administrator shall, in collaboration with owners and operators of public water systems and States,
establish a strategic plan for how the Administrator, a State with primary enforcement
responsibility, and owners and operators of public water systems shall provide targeted outreach,
education, technical assistance, and risk communication to populations affected by the
concentration of lead in a public water system, including dissemination of information described in
subparagraph (C).
(B)	EPA INITIATION OF NOTICE. —
(i)	FORWARDING OF DATA BY EMPLOYEE OF THE AGENCY.—If the Agency develops, or receives
from a source other than a State or a public water system, data that meets the requirements of
section 1412(b)(3)(A)(ii) that indicates that the drinking water of a household served by a public
water system contains a level of lead that exceeds the lead action level under section 141.80(c)
of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or a prescribed level of lead that the Administrator
establishes for public education or notification in a successor regulation promulgated pursuant
to section 1412) (referred to in this paragraph as an 'affected household'), the Administrator
shall require an appropriate employee of the Agency to forward the data, and information on
the sampling techniques used to obtain the data, to the owner or operator of the public water
system and the State in which the affected household is located within a time period
determined by the Administrator.
(ii)	DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION BY OWNER OR OPERATOR. —The owner or operator of a
public water system shall disseminate to affected households the information described in
subparagraph (C) within a time period established by the Administrator, if the owner or
operator—
(I)	receives data and information under clause (i); and
(II)	has not, since the date of the test that developed the data, notified the affected
households—
(aa) with respect to the concentration of lead in the drinking water of the affected
households; and
(bb) that the concentration of lead in the drinking water of the affected households
exceeds the lead action level under section 141.80(c) of title 40, Code of Federal
Regulations (or a prescribed level of lead that the Administrator establishes for public
education or notification in a successor regulation promulgated pursuant to section
1412).
(iii)	CONSULTATION. —
(I) DEADLINE.—If the owner or operator of the public water system does not disseminate to
the affected households the information described in subparagraph (C) as required under
clause (ii) within the time period established by the Administrator, not later than 24 hours
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after the Administrator becomes aware of the failure by the owner or operator of the
public water system to disseminate the information, the Administrator shall consult, within
a period not to exceed 24 hours, with the applicable Governor to develop a plan, in
accordance with the strategic plan, to disseminate the information to the affected
households not later than 24 hours after the end of the consultation period.
(II) DELEGATION. —The Administrator may only delegate the duty to consult under
subclause (I) to an employee of the Agency who, as of the date of the delegation, works in
the Office of Water at the headquarters of the Agency.
(iv) DISSEMINATION BY ADMINISTRATOR. —The Administrator shall, as soon as practicable,
disseminate to affected households the information described in subparagraph (C) if—
(I)	the owner or operator of the public water system does not disseminate the information
to the affected households within the time period determined by the Administrator, as
required by clause (ii); and
(II)	(aa) the Administrator and the applicable Governor do not agree on a plan described in
clause (iii)(l)2 during the consultation period under that clause; or
(bb) the applicable Governor does not disseminate the information within 24 hours
after the end of the consultation period.
(C) INFORMATION REQUIRED. —The information described in this subparagraph includes—
(i)	a clear explanation of the potential adverse effects on human health of drinking water that
contains a concentration of lead that exceeds the lead action level under section 141.80(c) of
title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or a prescribed level of lead that the Administrator
establishes for public education or notification in a successor regulation promulgated pursuant
to section 1412);
(ii)	the steps that the owner or operator of the public water system is taking to mitigate the
concentration of lead; and
(iii)	the necessity of seeking alternative water supplies until the date on which the
concentration of lead is mitigated.
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Appendix B: Templates and Resources
&EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Safe Drinking Water Act 1414(c)(5) Data Submission Form
For Exceedance of Lead Level at Household(s)
This form is to be completed when EPA receives sampling data from a source other than a state or
public water system (PWS). The purpose is to collect information so EPA can send it to the PWS/state so
they can disseminate required information to the household and take any follow-up steps. If
information is not available or is unknown, please indicate as such on the form.
Contact Information
1. Name of contact providing the information:
2. EPA Contact Reviewing the Information:
1A. Contact Email:
2A. EPA Contact Email:
IB. Contact Phone Number:
2B. EPA Contact Phone Number:
1C. Contact Address:
Household Information
3. Enter the sample address below.
3A. Street house & Number:
3B. City or Town:
3C. State
3D. Zip Code:
4. Describe the reason for the sample collection (e.g., received consumer notice that water system
exceeded lead action level, nearby school conducted sampling and I wanted to check my water):
5. Indicate the type of household where the sample
was collected (e.g., single family, multifamily home,
apartment complex):
6. Enter the age of the building/home:
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7. Is the household occupied?
~ Yes	~ No
7 A. If not, how long has it been unoccupied?
8. Enter contact information for the resident or owner/property manager (if a rental property) below.
8A. Name of Contact:
8B. Contact Email:
8C. Contact Phone Number:
8D. Address (If different from Contact Information
section above):
9. Name of the public water system (ask if the resident receives a water bill):
Plumbing Information
10. If known, indicate the water pipe material from within the household (e.g., lead, copper, plastic,
PEX):
11. If known, explain any recent changes to the household plumbing (e.g., replaced pipes, fixed leak):
12. Does the household have a point of use (POU)/point of entry (POE) devices?
~ Yes ~ No ~ Unknown
12A. If yes, indicate the type of treatment (e.g.,
reverse osmosis, water softener, etc.):
12B. If yes, was the water filter bypassed when the
sample was collected?
~ Yes ~ No
Sample Collection Information
13. Enter the date and time of the sample collection:
14. Name of Sample Collector:
15. Where was the sample collected? (e.g., kitchen, bathroom, drinking fountain):
16. Describe the sampling protocols that were followed (e.g., first draw, flush, stagnation period, etc.):
17. What was the sample volume?
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18. Describe what was done to preserve the sample after collection (e.g., immediately sealed containers,
left sealed samples out in room temperature, sent samples to lab in timely manner, etc.):
Analytical Results Information
19. Enter contact information for the laboratory that is analyzing the sample below.
19A. Name of the laboratory:
19B. Name of contact:
19C. Contact Email:
19D. Contact Phone Number:
19E. Contact Address:
20. Is the laboratory EPA certified for lead analysis?
~ Yes ~ No
If yes, enter certification number:
21. What analytical method did the laboratory use
to analyze the sample?
22. What is the laboratory hold time?
23. Was analysis conducted using a formal chain of
custody?
~ Yes ~ No
If yes, please attach documentation.
24. Is there a copy of the laboratory report?
~ Yes ~ No
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Notice to Affected Household - Sample Templates
Sample template for public water system to send notice to households of their lead results.
•	For households where the public water system's 90th percentile level is below the action level
and the public water system becomes aware of a household's lead sample result that is greater
than 15 ppb.
•	For households where the public water system becomes aware of a household's lead sample
result and that sample result and the 90th percentile value for the public water system are
greater than 15 ppb.
Instructions: Fill in the correct case-specific information in sections marked with brackets. EPA
recommends that you remove the brackets and de-italicize the text before distributing the letter.
Sections in italics are required. These include:
•	A clear explanation of the potential adverse effects on human health of drinking water that
contains a concentration of lead that exceeds the lead action level;
•	The steps that the owner or operator of the public water system is taking to mitigate the
concentration of lead; and
•	The necessity of seeking alternative water supplies until the date on which the concentration of
lead is mitigated.
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For households where the public water system's 90th percentile level is below the action level and the public
water system becomes aware of a household's lead sample result that is greater than 15 ppb
Important Information About Your Drinking Water
Lead Sample Results for Your Home
Dear [Consumer's Name],
EPA has provided us with information regarding a lead sample of drinking water taken at your home. This sample
was collected by [sampler information] on [sample date]. The sample shows lead levels that are greater than the
lead action level of 15 ppb. However, the 90th percentile value of the various water samples collected throughout
our entire water system for compliance with the Lead and Copper Rule is below the lead action level. [Water
System] strongly urges you to take the steps listed on the next page to reduce your exposure to lead in drinking
water.
The following table shows the results of the water sample:
Sample
Collected
Lab Results
Received
Lead Test
Results
Action Level at 90th
Percentile Level
MCLG
[Date]
[Date]
[x] ppb
15 ppb
0 ppb
What Does This Mean?
Drinking water that is tested for lead is compared to standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA). These standards include:
•	90th percentile value: The value that separates the bottom 90 percent of sample results from the top 10
percent.
•	Action Level: The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other
requirements which a water system must follow. Under the authority of the Safe Drinking Water Act, the
EPA set the action level for lead in drinking water at 15 ppb. Water systems are required to act if the
sample results are greater than 15 ppb in more 10 percent of the samples collected for compliance.
•	Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): 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. Because lead may pose
serious health risks, the EPA set an MCLG of 0 ppb for lead.
How Does Lead Enter Drinking Water?
Lead is a toxic heavy metal that is harmful if inhaled or swallowed. It can be found in air, soil, dust, food, drinking
water and products such as lead-based paints.
Lead typically enters drinking water through plumbing materials. All homes, regardless of their age, may have
plumbing that contains lead. However, homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes, fixtures, and
solder. Brass faucets, fittings, and valves, including those advertised as "lead-free," may contribute lead to
drinking water. The law currently allows pipes, fittings, and fixtures with up to 0.25 percent weighted average of
lead to be identified as "lead-free." Brass faucets and fittings and lead solder can leach lead into water, especially
hot water.
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For households where the public water system's 90th percentile level is below the action level and the public
water system becomes aware of a household's lead sample result that is greater than 15 ppb
What Are the Health Effects of Lead?
Lead can cause serious health problems if too much enters the body from drinking water or other sources of lead.
Pregnant women, infants, and young children have the highest risks of negative health effects from lead exposure.
Lead exposure in children under the age of six has been linked to damage to the central and peripheral nervous
system, learning disabilities, shorter stature, impaired hearing, impaired formation and function of blood cells,
and lowered IQ. Lead can accumulate in our bodies over time, where it is stored in bones along with calcium.
During pregnancy, lead is released from bones as maternal calcium and is used to help form the bones of the fetus.
This can result in serious effects to the mother and her developing fetus, including reduced growth of the fetus and
premature birth.
Adults exposed to lead could develop kidney problems or high blood pressure. Lead is stored in the bones and can
be released later in life.
If you are concerned about lead exposure, you may want to ask your health care provider about testing children to
determine the levels of lead in their blood.
How Can I Reduce Exposure to Lead from Drinking Water?
As a concerned resident, there are several steps that you can take to reduce your and your family's exposure to
lead from drinking water. [Water System] recommends that you:
•	Run your water to flush out lead. The longer water sits in your home piping; the more lead may leach
from lead-containing fixtures. Before drinking, flush your pipes for several minutes by running your tap,
taking a shower, doing laundry or a load of dishes [or insert a flushing recommendations that have been
approved by your state primacy agency for your community],
•	Use cold water to cook and to prepare 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. Remember, boiling water DOES NOT remove lead from water.
•	Identify and replace plumbing fixtures that contain lead. Brass faucets, fittings, and valves, including
those advertised as "lead-free," may contribute lead to drinking water. The law currently allows pipes,
fittings, and fixtures with up to 0.25 percent weighted average of lead to be identified as "lead-free.
Plumbing materials that are lead free can also be identified by looking for lead free certification marks
(http://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZvPDF.cgi?Dockev=P100LVYK.txt).
•	Consider using a filter certified for lead removal. Read the package to be sure the filter is approved to
reduce lead. Verify the claims of manufacturers by checking with independent certifying organizations
that provide lists of treatment devices that they have certified.
•	Regularly clean faucet aerators. Aerators, the screens at the end of faucets, can collect debris. Rinse out
collected materials to reduce debris accumulation.
•	Use an alternative source. Until the concentration of lead in drinking water is mitigated, you should use a
different source of drinking water (i.e. bottled water).
•	Periodically re-test your water for lead. Call [Water System] at [phone number] 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 follow-up testing? What labs in your area are certified to do lead in water testing?]
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For households where the public water system's 90th percentile level is below the action level and the public
water system becomes aware of a household's lead sample result that is greater than 15 ppb
What Steps Is My Water System Taking?
[Water System] is taking the following steps to keep your drinking water safe:
•	[We will work to keep drinking water corrosivity as low as possible because corrosive water can cause
lead to leach from plumbing materials that contain lead.]
•	We will continue to monitor lead levels in consumers' homes to ensure that the 90th percentile value
remains below the action level.
•	[Insert additional steps that your system is taking here.]
Contact Information
Please contact [Water System] with questions at [phone number], [email address], or [mailing address]. For more
information on reducing lead exposure around your home and the health effects of lead, visit EPA's Web site at
www.epa.Eov/llead, call the National Lead Information Center at 800-424-LEAD, or contact your health care
provider.
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For households where the public water system becomes aware of a household's lead sample result and that
sample result and the 90th percentile value for the public water system are greater than 15 ppb
Important Information About Your Drinking Water
Lead Sample Results for Your Home
Dear [Consumer's Name],
EPA has provided us with information regarding a lead sample of drinking water taken at your home. This sample
was collected by [sampler information] on [sample date]. The sample shows lead levels that are greater than the
lead action level of 15 ppb. The 90th percentile value of all the samples collected throughout our entire water
system for compliance with the Lead and Copper Rule is also greater than the lead action level. [Water System]
strongly urges you to take the steps listed on the next page to reduce your exposure to lead in drinking water.
The following table shows the results of the water sample:
Sample
Collected
Lab Results
Received
Lead Test
Results
Action Level at 90th
Percentile Level
MCLG
[Date]
[Date]
[x] ppb
15 ppb
0 ppb
What Does This Mean?
Drinking water that is tested for lead is compared to standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA). These standards include:
•	90th percentile value: The value that separates the bottom 90 percent of sample results from the top 10
percent.
•	Action Level: The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other
requirements which a water system must follow. Under the authority of the Safe Drinking Water Act, the
EPA set the action level for lead in drinking water at 15 ppb. Water systems are required to act if the
sample results are greater than 15 ppb in more 10 percent of the samples collected for compliance.
•	Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): 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. Because lead may pose
serious health risks, the EPA set an MCLG of 0 ppb for lead.
How Does Lead Enter Drinking Water?
Lead is a toxic heavy metal that is harmful if inhaled or swallowed. It can be found in air, soil, dust, food, drinking
water and products such as lead-based paints.
Lead typically enters drinking water through plumbing materials. All homes, regardless of their age, may have
plumbing that contains lead. However, homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes, fixtures, and
solder. Brass faucets, fittings, and valves, including those advertised as "lead-free," may contribute lead to
drinking water. The law currently allows pipes, fittings, and fixtures with up to 0.25 percent weighted average of
lead to be identified as "lead-free." Brass faucets and fittings and lead solder can leach lead into water, especially
hot water.
17 | P a g e
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For households where the public water system becomes aware of a household's lead sample result and that
sample result and the 90th percentile value for the public water system are greater than 15 ppb
What Are the Health Effects of Lead?
Lead can cause serious health problems if too much enters the body from drinking water or other sources of lead.
Pregnant women, infants, and young children have the highest risks of negative health effects from lead
exposure. Lead exposure in children under the age of six has been linked to damage to the central and peripheral
nervous system, learning disabilities, shorter stature, impaired hearing, impaired formation and function of blood
cells, and lowered IQ. Lead can accumulate in our bodies over time, where it is stored in bones along with calcium.
During pregnancy, lead is released from bones as maternal calcium and is used to help form the bones of the
fetus. This can result in serious effects to the mother and her developing fetus, including reduced growth of the
fetus and premature birth.
Adults exposed to lead could develop kidney problems or high blood pressure. Lead is stored in the bones and can
be released later in life.
If you are concerned about lead exposure, you may want to ask your health care provider about testing children to
determine the levels of lead in their blood.
How Can I Reduce Exposure to Lead from Drinking Water?
As a concerned resident, there are several steps that you can take to reduce your and your family's exposure to
lead from drinking water. [Water System] recommends that you:
•	Run your water to flush out lead. The longer water sits in your home piping; the more lead may leach
from lead-containing fixtures. Before drinking, flush your pipes for several minutes by running your tap,
taking a shower, doing laundry or a load of dishes [or insert a flushing recommendations that have been
approved by your state primacy agency for your community],
•	Use cold water to cook and to prepare 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. Remember, boiling water DOES NOT remove lead from water.
•	Identify and replace plumbing fixtures that contain lead. Brass faucets, fittings, and valves, including
those advertised as "lead-free," may contribute lead to drinking water. The law currently allows pipes,
fittings, and fixtures with up to 0.25 percent weighted average of lead to be identified as "lead-free.
Plumbing materials that are lead free can also be identified by looking for lead free certification marks
(http://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZvPDF.cgi?Dockev=P100LVYK.txt).
•	Consider using a filter certified for lead removal. Read the package to be sure the filter is approved to
reduce lead. Verify the claims of manufacturers by checking with independent certifying organizations
that provide lists of treatment devices that they have certified.
•	Regularly clean faucet aerators. Aerators, the screens at the end of faucets, can collect debris. Rinse out
collected materials to reduce debris accumulation.
•	Use an alternative source. Until the concentration of lead in drinking water is mitigated, you should use a
different source of drinking water (i.e. bottled water).
•	Periodically re-test your water for lead. Call [Water System] at [phone number] 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?]
18 | P a g e
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For households where the public water system becomes aware of a household's lead sample result and that
sample result and the 90th percentile value for the public water system are greater than 15 ppb
What Steps Is My Water System Taking?
Because the 90th percentile value for the water system is above the action level, [Water System] is actively working
to mitigate the problem. We are taking the following steps to keep your drinking water safe:
•	Increased sampling: We [are beginning/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.
•	Public Education campaign: We [have initiated/will initiate] a public education campaign to ensure all our
customers know about the water system 90th percentile value exceeding the action level, the health effects
of lead, the sources of lead in drinking water, and actions they can take to reduce exposure to leads in
drinking water.
•	Source water monitoring: We [have conducted/will conduct] monitoring in our source water to ensure
that lead is not entering our water system from the source water.
•	Corrosivity control: We will [initiate controls/improve on our controls] to reduce the corrosivity of our
water. Corrosive water can cause lead to leach from plumbing materials that contain lead.
•	[Lead service line replacement: We will initiate lead service line replacement programs in our water
system.]
•	[Insert additional steps that your system is taking here.]
Although we are acting 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. Please see
the strategies listed on the previous page to reduce lead exposure.
Contact Information
Please contact [Water System] with questions at [phone number], [email address], or [mailing address]. For more
information on reducing lead exposure around your home and the health effects of lead, visit EPA's Web site at
www.epa.eov/llead. call the National Lead Information Center at 800-424-LEAD, or contact your health care
provider.
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Translations for English Instructions
The translations below are examples state or public water systems may use. The translations are included
in the Preparing Your Drinking Water Consumer Confidence Report Guidance for Water Suppliers.
Translations are provided courtesy of the State of Washington Department of Health. None of these
translations has been independently verified.
Translations for the English Text:
"This report contains important information about your drinking water.
Have someone translate it for you, or speak with someone who understands it."
Amharic:
£u urn mmri- m
©£0° SS.T1- 5t
Arabic:
*L* (JC 4 A, CjLlSjSta liil
,*Ufi
Cambodian (Khmer):
jtnmmuultB: uhsajie^sisiwiim fifmiMmiiimnrifi
Ei
tmltmmciHrtfiafiMiMiFi fa nrmnisfsltrtssfin moiti af *i
-A if ti, if Ui
Chinese (simplified):
rnt i u * w m m*
b. nmwfr
Chinese (traditional):
1ft ° tf Af liti# ft} 5
Farsi:
L&mJ l fJt
yjl 4j" ^a&Jj U U 3 aq. Zt\xr\ma anc kchcoiov va
oac Til [ICTOtipdcCI., fj| |_l.l?uCt
-------
Hebrew:
ri^Jiwn m1? yimawn in>a m nn
mnw ih iTitN inw>Qo wp^
rrH toow inwia oy
Hindi:
?w ^lUkci mm# u\^ w% #¦ wk %
toMh441 h Ml +r M 344*1
3TTrTT ?T 3TT 3T silrt °h~
-------
Samoan:
0 1c lipoii lend o lo'o iai m inca c siii ona
tana e uiga i le vai o lo'o e taumafaina nei.
Sue se lagatae fa'aliliuiiiamo oe,po'o Ion
lalalalanoa i seisi e iai sona lnalamalmiiaga i
lend mataupiL
Serbo-Croatian:
Ovaj izyjcStaj sadrzi vaznu informaciju u
vasoj vodi za pice, Ncka vani ncko prcvcdc,
ili popricajte sa nekim ko se u ovo razumije,
Somali:
Warbixintan waxav wadataa niacin umaad
muhiim ah ee la xiriira biyaha aad cabtid.
Cid ha kuu tarjunto am a la hadl cid
fahrrmysa.
J
Spanish:
Este intbrme contiene in for mac ion
iraporlanlc accrca de su agua polablc. liaga
que alguien lo traduzca para listed, o liable
con alguien que lo cntienda.
Tagalog:
Naglalaman aiig report na ito ng
importantcng impormasyon tungkol sa
iyong iniinom na tubig. Magkaroon ng
isang tao na isasalin ito sa iyong wika para
sa iyo, o makipag-usap sa isang tao na
nakakaintindi dito.
Thai:
n tinu&rae p ti tnmiitiSuiJ
Tigrigna:
mi wn nn? m hm mif
m- Htc»F m ww m m -
Ukranian:
Ue 11OMJ1CHHH MiCTUTJb
iHtJjupMiiuiK) upu BOfHy, XKy bm li'fre.
[loiipDciTb Koru-HeCy^b nepeK.iac rii bsm u,e
nosintiMJieHHS aoo noroBopiTb 3 JinypHOK),
suca poayMie ftoro 3mict.
Vietnamese:
Tai lieu nay co tin tifc quan trong ve nirdc
uong eua quy vL Hay iiiid ngtfdi dich dio
quy vj, hoac h6i rigtftJi nao hilu tai li§u
nay.

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Confirmation Sample Template
Sample template for public water system (PWS)(or agency designated by the primacy agency) to send
confirmation to EPA after disseminating the required information. Confirmation to the EPA should be
submitted to the point of contact that forwarded the sample data. If the public water system is submitting
the confirmation, an additional copy may be sent to the primacy agency.
Safe Drinking Water Act 1414(c)(5) Exceedance of Lead Level at Households
Information Delivery Confirmation
Public Water System or Agency Name:	
Point of contact: 	Phone:	
Date PWS/state received data and information:	
Date information was distributed to affected household(s):	
Deadline to disseminate the information: 	
Delivery method (check all that apply):
~ Mail ~ Certified mail ~ Hand delivery ~ Email
D Other (e.g., posting):	
Required information (SDWA 1414(c)(5)(C):
•	Explanation of potential adverse human health effects
•	Steps the PWS is taking to mitigate the concentration of lead
•	The necessity of seeking alternative water supplies
The public water system/jurisdiction indicated above hereby affirms that the required information
listed above has been provided to the affected household(s) within the timeline assigned.
Signature of owner/operator or Agency Point of Contact	Date
23 |
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Additional References:
Strategic Plan for Targeted Outreach to Populations Affected by Lead:
https://www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/strategic-plan-tarKeted-outreach-populations-affected-lead
Safe Drinking Water Act - Consumer Confidence Report Delivery Options Memorandum:
https://www.epa.gov/ccr/safe-drinkine-water-act-consumer-confidence-report-deliverv-options-
memorandum
Public Notification Templates for Community and Non-transient Non-community Water Systems:
https://www.epa.eov/dwireginfo/publlic-notification-teirnpllates-coinriirnunitv-ancl-non-tiransient-non-
co m inn u nitv-water-svstem s
Lead and Cooper Rule: https://www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/lead-and-copper-rule
Lead in Drinking Water Regulation: Public Education Guidance:
https://nepiis.epa.gov/IExe/ZvlP ID F.cgi?Dockev=P10058E4.txt
Revised Public Notification Handbook: https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPDF.cgi?Dockev=P10Q6RQA.txt
24 |
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Appendix C: Stakeholder Engagement
As directed in the WIIN Act, SDWA 1414(c)(5)(A), EPA collaborated with diverse range of stakeholders to
develop this Strategic Plan. During the annual Association of State Drinking Water Administrators' annual
conference held in March 13-17 2017, members of EPA's Office of Ground Water and Drinking
Water/Drinking Water Protection Division introduced the WIIN Act Strategic Plan effort. EPA staff provided
a presentation outlining the WIIN Act amendments and answered questions from conference attendees.
EPA's Drinking Water Protection Division hosted two public webinars and two comment periods to receive
input on the Strategic Plan. The first webinar was held on March 23, 2017. EPA explained the WIIN Act
amendments to SDWA 1414(c)(5), provide an overview of the draft Strategic Plan, answer questions from
stakeholders, and discuss next steps. In the first draft of the Strategic Plan, EPA noted specific aspects they
wanted input from stakeholders, including timeframes, information to collect in the Data Submission Form
(Appendix IB), methods of providing the notification to the affected households, and additional resources
(templates). This webinar was attended by 575 persons representing public water systems, states, national
associations and EPA.
Immediately following this webinar, EPA opened the first comment period for two weeks (from March 23,
2017 to April 5, 2017). EPA received valuable feedback from 15 stakeholders, representing two cities, two
counties/state regional jurisdictions, seven state-level agencies, three associations, and two EPA regional
offices. EPA received the most comments related to method of notification, data collection template,
timeframes, and data validity/methods.
EPA hosted a second webinar on May 3, 2017 that was attended by 154 persons. This webinar discussed
changes made to the Strategic Plan based on this input received during the first comment period.
Immediately following this webinar, EPA opened the second comment period (from May 3, 2017 to May 12,
2017). EPA received comments from eight stakeholders representing four state-level agencies, three
associations, and one EPA regional office. Similar to the first comment period, EPA received the most
comments related to notification, and data collection, timeframes. EPA considered these comments and
used them to revise and finalize the Strategic Plan.
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