1. Lead in Drinking Water Forum
Suffolk County Department of Health Services
June 10, 2016

2. What Role Does SCDHS Play in Drinking Water Regulation?
Federal Safe Drinking Water Act
New York State Sanitary Code
Suffolk County Sanitary Code

3. Voluntary Testing Program for Schools & Child Care Facilities

4. What are the 3T’s from USEPA’s Guidance?
Source: cdc.gov
Training
Health effects
Sources
How lead gets in the water
How is lead regulated

5. What are the 3T’s from USEPA’s Guidance?
Testing
Plumbing profile
Sampling plan
Sampling procedure
Short-term and permanent remedies

6. What are the 3T’s from USEPA’s Guidance?
Telling
Informing the public about what was found
Specific delivery methods, materials, information

7. Key Differences Between PWS & School Lead Testing Programs
Public Water Supply
Schools
Regulation applies to lead and copper
Lead testing protocol used by PWSs is aimed at identifying system-wide problems rather than problems at outlets in individual buildings.
First draw samples collected after a minimum 6 hour period of no water use, no maximum.
1 Liter sample bottles
Lead action level of 15 parts per billion (ppb) is established for samples taken at high-risk residences. If more than 10 percent of the samples at residences exceed 15 ppb, system-wide corrosion control treatment may be necessary. 15 ppb action level for PWSs is therefore a trigger for treatment rather than an exposure level.
Guidance for lead only, not a regulation
Designed to pinpoint specific fountains and outlets that require remediation (e.g. water cooler replacement).
First draw samples collected after a minimum 8 hour period of no water use, maximum of 18 hours of no water use. Samples not to be collected after vacations, weekends, or holidays.
250 mL sample bottles
Lead action level of 20 ppb. Water fountains and/or other outlets used for consumption should be taken out of service if the lead level exceeds 20 ppb.

8. General Lead Testing Procedure in Schools
Water sits unused in pipes for at least 8 hours, but no more than 18 hours prior to sample collection unless infrequently used then ok
Don’t collect samples after vacations, weekends, or holidays
Repair any leaks before sampling
Initial first draw sampling from prioritized outlets (bubblers and DW fountains), outlets used for drinking/cooking and a tap near the service connection to PWS

9. General Lead Testing Procedure in Schools
Follow up flush sampling from sites >20ppb in initial sampling. Flush sampling still done in mornings before any water is used. Flush taps for 30 seconds (pencil-sized flow of water) prior to sampling.
Alternatively school may clean aerators and repeat first draw samples (if results within 5 ppb, continue to clean aerators regularly and continue to use tap)
If an outlet is replaced, it should be resampled within 90 days

10. Piping Construction & Lead Laws
Primary source of lead in drinking water is corrosion of plumbing materials containing lead. These include lead pipe and lead solder, as well as faucets, valves, and other components made of brass.
Lead was starting to be restricted ~1920’s, but lead service lines were reportedly installed in NYC until ~1960
By June 1984, most towns in Nassau and Suffolk banned the use of lead exceeding the limits outlined in the proposed SDWA Amendments of 1986
Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1986
Effective June 19, 1986
Solder and flux <0.2 % lead
Pipes and pipe fittings <8% lead
Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act
Effective January 4, 2014
Reduced the maximum concentration of lead from 8% down to 0.25% by weight in the wetted surfaces of pipes, pipe fittings, plumbing fittings and fixtures.

11. Mitigation Measures
Interim: Clean aerators, use only cold water for food and beverage prep, flushing program, placard sinks that water should not be used, provide bottled water
Permanent: Replace outlets or plumbing components, point of use treatment, alternative grounding system, lead pipe replacement, flushing (manual/automatic), bottled water, remove problem outlets from service permanently