Lead Water Management
Overview of Lead in Drinking Water
The primary method of exposure to lead in drinking water is through ingestion. Lead can leach into drinking water when plumbing materials containing lead corrode, particularly in systems with high acidity or low mineral content, which accelerate corrosion of pipes and fixtures. Lead is not readily absorbed through the skin, so activities such as showering and handwashing do not pose a significant exposure risk.
Health Effects of Lead Exposure
Anyone can experience adverse health effects from consuming lead. However, young children, infants and fetuses are particularly vulnerable because the physical and behavioral effects of lead occur at lower exposure levels than in adults. Health risks for children may include reduced IQ, attention disorders, slowed growth, hearing impairment and anemia. In adults, prolonged exposure may contribute to cardiovascular issues, decreased kidney function and reproductive problems. It is important to note that lead is not naturally present in water sources; it typically enters drinking water through contact with plumbing materials that contain lead.
History of Lead in Drinking Water
Lead has historically been used in plumbing materials, including service lines, pipes, solder and fixtures. In 1986, Congress amended the Safe Drinking Water Act to ban the use of lead solder containing more than 0.2% lead and limited the lead content in faucets, pipe and other plumbing materials to 8.0%. Congress passed the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act in 2011, which revised the definition of “lead-free” by lowering the maximum lead content of the plumbing products wetted surfaces from 8% to a weighted average of 0.25%. Components of plumbing systems in older buildings, especially those built prior to 1930, may still contain lead service lines, lead-based solder or brass fixtures with higher lead content.
Sampling Protocol for Lead in Drinking Water
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), testing is the most reliable way to determine the presence of lead in drinking water. Lead cannot be seen, tasted or smelled, making laboratory analysis essential. Any potable water outlet, such as drinking fountains, kitchen sinks, bathroom faucets or bottle-filling stations, can be a potential source of lead. Water sampling is conducted using EPA-approved methods, and all samples are analyzed by accredited laboratories.
Results Interpretation
The EPA has established an action level of 15 parts per billion (ppb) for lead in drinking water, with a trigger level of 10 ppb. At VCU, the 10 ppb trigger level has been adopted as the threshold for initiating corrective actions. When lead levels exceed 10 ppb, affected fixtures are immediately taken out of service and remediated through measures such as local water system flushing or the installation of certified point-of-use lead-reducing filters. Fixtures are not returned to service until follow-up testing confirms lead levels are below 10 ppb.
Results Notification
VCU Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) will formally notify the appropriate building manager(s) when test results indicate lead levels are at or above the 10 ppb action level. The building manager(s) are responsible for communicating these results to building occupants and informing them that affected fixtures may only be used for handwashing until further notice. Once follow-up testing confirms that lead levels have been reduced to safe levels, EHS will notify the building manager(s) that the fixtures are cleared for use. The building manager(s) will then inform occupants that the fixtures have been returned to service for activities such as drinking, cooking, dishwashing and other personal use.
Response to Elevated Lead Levels
When drinking fountains or sinks are found to have elevated levels at or above 10 ppb, VCU EHS will implement the following response procedures:
- Post clear signage at impacted fixtures restricting use to handwashing only.
- Flush the affected fixture(s) for a minimum of 10 minutes to help reduce lead levels in the plumbing system.
- Install a certified point-of-use water filter at the affected fixture(s) that meets NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction.
- Collect follow-up water samples to verify that the filter is functioning as intended and that lead levels are below the trigger level.
- Return the fixture(s) to service after laboratory results confirm that lead concentrations are below 10 ppb.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lead (Pb) is a naturally occurring element found in small amounts in the earth’s crust. While it has some beneficial uses, it can be toxic to humans and animals, causing health effects.
Lead is a naturally occurring metal that can be found throughout the environment, including in the air, soil, water and inside buildings. In homes, especially those built before 1978, lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust are the most common sources of exposure. Drinking water is typically a smaller contributor to overall lead exposure and can vary significantly between homes, schools and other buildings.
The EPA has established an action level of 15 ppb for lead in public drinking water. If lead concentrations exceed this level at more than 10% of taps sampled, the water system is required to take corrective actions to reduce lead levels, including public notification and potential treatment changes.
An EPA action level is a regulatory threshold that, when exceeded, triggers required actions to reduce contamination and protect public health. It serves as a "red flag" indicating that corrective measures, such as public notification, treatment changes or fixture remediation, must be taken to address the issue.
An EPA trigger level is a lower threshold than the action level and is intended to prompt early intervention before contamination becomes more severe. When lead levels meet or exceed the trigger level, proactive measures must be taken to reduce lead concentrations and prevent them from surpassing the action level. Trigger levels are designed to encourage timely responses by water systems to help minimize public health risks.
Yes. Bathing, showering and handwashing are considered safe, even if the water contains lead levels above the EPA’s action level. This is because lead is not readily absorbed through the skin, so dermal exposure from lead in water does not pose a significant health risk.
According to the EPA, the only reliable way to determine if there is lead in drinking water is through laboratory testing. Lead is invisible, tasteless and odorless, so it cannot be detected by sight, taste or smell.
Currently, testing is being conducted on drinking fountains, bottle filling stations, and kitchen and bathroom sinks at VCU, as necessary.
Water testing is performed using EPA-approved methods for groundwater and drinking water, as outlined by the EPA here.
Fixtures with lead levels equal to or greater than 10 parts per billion (ppb) are addressed in accordance with the university’s lead response plan.
If occupants have any health concerns, please contact VCU Employee Health at (804) 628-2594.
For health and safety concerns, please contact EHS at (804) 828-1392 or dohs@vcu.edu.