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Home > Rules > Lead/Copper > Lead Alert

Lead Alerts and Public Service Announcements

EPA Mandatory Language for Lead Alerts |
Sample Alert | Sample Cover Letter for Schools |
Sample Public Service Announcement for TV/Radio | CCR Mandatory Language

EPA MANDATORY LANGUAGE FOR ALL SYSTEMS

LEAD AND COPPER RULE: LEAD PUBLIC EDUCATION

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

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 can be found in many places. Knowing where lead is can help limit your contact with it. Though most cases of lead poisoning in Maine were a result of lead paint dust, you can be exposed to lead through drinking and cooking with water that has lead. Lead can dissolve into water from lead solder or brass faucets, fittings, and valves. Lead can also come from jobs and hobbies that work with lead or lead paint as well as from things you buy such as toys and antiques.

 

STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM LEAD IN DRINKING WATER

  • Run the water for at least 15 seconds or until it becomes noticeably colder before using it for drinking or cooking. The longer water sits in piping the more lead it may contain.
  • Do not drink or cook with water from the hot water faucet. Hot water can dissolve lead more quickly than cold water. If you need hot water, use water from the cold water faucet and heat it on the stove or in the microwave.
  • Do not use water from the hot water faucet to prepare baby formula.
  • Boiling the water does not reduce lead levels.
  • Consider using bottled water for drinking and cooking.
  • If you are concerned about lead, contact your health care provider or the Maine Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (866-292-3474). You can ask about having you or your child tested for lead.

 

HOW LEAD GOT INTO YOUR WATER

The most likely reason lead is in your water is because it dissolved from lead solder or out of brass plumbing materials such as faucets, fittings, and valves. The [INSERT NAME OF WATER SYSTEM] is currently [INCLUDE INFORMATION PERTAINING TO CORROSION CONTROL AND/OR OTHER LEAD MITIGATION ACTIVITIES].

 

TO FIND OUT MORE

If you have questions, call us at [INSERT YOUR NUMBER] or visit our website at [INSERT WEBSITE]. To learn other ways to protect yourself and your family from lead, visit EPA’s website at http://www.epa.gov/lead.

 

TESTING YOUR WATER

To find out how you can get your water tested for lead, contact [INSERT TESTING CONTACT NUMBER]. [PROVIDE DETAILS ON TESTING SUCH AS COST].

 

LEAD IN PLUMBING MATERIALS

Some plumbing materials including solder and brass fixtures may contain lead. If you want to make changes to your plumbing, it is important to know that “lead-free” materials are allowed to have up to 0.2% lead (solder) or up to 8% lead (fixtures). Some newer products, including those labeled for sale in California and Vermont, may contain much lower levels of lead.

 

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SAMPLE ALERT

SOME HOMES IN THIS COMMUNITY HAVE ELEVATED LEAD LEVELS IN THEIR DRINKING WATER. LEAD CAN POSE A SIGNIFICANT RISK TO YOUR HEALTH. PLEASE READ THE ENCLOSED NOTICE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

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SAMPLE COVER LETTER FOR SCHOOLS

(Developed by the Exeter, West Greenwich, RI Consolidate School District)

To the Students, Families and Staff of: (insert school name) .

Our school administration has recently learned that samples from some water taps, (taken after water was left in the system for a minimum holding time of six hours), at our school had lead levels that failed Environmental Protection Agency action level. The administration takes these results seriously and is moving immediately to safeguard the health of the students, faculty and staff. You should also note that these results are not uncommon and may well exist in your own home. The following information describes steps we are taking that can also be taken at home to address the issue of lead and copper in the water.

WHAT WE ARE REQUIRED TO DO:

1. Implement a public information process that includes distribution of the enclosed required material.

2. Submit an evaluation and treatment recommendation to the Drinking Water Program.

3. Provide certification that state-approved treatment has been installed

WHAT WE HAVE DONE ALREADY:

1. Immediately implemented a flushing and water usage plan to safeguard against lead exposure in school. This includes the daily flushing of water fountains and sinks and the limitation of water consumption to cold water faucets.

2. Conducted follow-up water testing so that a treatment plan can be developed, approved, and implemented.

3. Provided this public education information, including a brief paragraph on where lead is found in drinking water.

WHAT WE WILL BE DOING:

1. The school administration will develop and put into place a treatment plan as quickly as possible and will conduct follow-up tests that will characterize the corrosivity, or aggressiveness of our water.

2. Through periodic reports, keep you informed as to the progress of our efforts. These reports will serve to let you know what has been done and what is being done to safeguard against lead exposure at school.

A REMINDER: The water system at school is not unlike those found in area homes. Please read the enclosed material and consider having your own water tested.

Sincerely,

 

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SAMPLE PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FOR
TELEVISION AND RADIO
(EPA MANDATORY LANGUAGE)


Why should everyone want to know the facts about lead and drinking water? Because unhealthy amounts of lead can enter drinking water through the plumbing in your home. That's why I urge you to do what I did. I had my water tested for (insert, free or $ per sample - the standard cost for most labs is $20 per sample). You can contact the (name of town, city or water system) for information on testing and on simple ways to reduce your exposure to lead in drinking water.

To have your water tested for lead, or to get more information about this public health concern, please call (insert number of town, city or water system).

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CCR Language for Lead and Copper
(EPA MANDATORY LANGUAGE)


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.