Which types of water systems must monitor for Lead and Copper?

The requirement for monitoring lead and copper levels is specifically aimed at community water systems and non-transient noncommunity water systems. This is because these systems are expected to serve the same population over time and are more likely to have older plumbing infrastructure that can leach lead and copper into the drinking water.

Community water systems are defined as systems that provide water for the regular use of a majority of the population and have at least 15 service connections. Non-transient noncommunity water systems, on the other hand, serve the same 25 or more people for at least six months of the year, such as schools and workplaces. These types of water systems fall under regulations set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that mandate sampling and monitoring to ensure public health safety.

This monitoring helps identify any potential issues with lead and copper contamination, ensuring that the levels in drinking water do not exceed the established action levels, which are critical for protecting consumer health. Therefore, it is essential that both community systems and non-transient noncommunity systems perform these monitoring activities to ensure compliance and safeguard public health.