Public Health Information

Sources of Lead and Copper

Lead and copper are naturally occurring elements found in small amounts in Earth’s crust. Lead and copper compounds can be found in all parts of our environment—the air, soil, water, and have been used in a variety of products in and around our homes, including paint, ceramics, pipes and plumbing materials, solders, gasoline, batteries, ammunition, and cosmetics. These elements have beneficial uses for product manufacturing but can also be harmful when ingested. However, lead can accumulate in the body over time, while copper eventually leaves the body. Lead particles can enter drinking water when plumbing materials containing lead are disturbed by corrosion, removal, or replacement.

• US EPA's Basic Information about Lead in Drinking Water

Health Risks and Effects of Exposure

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has determined that there is no safe level of lead exposure, and state and federal regulations aim to limit exposure. Drinking water contaminated with lead and copper can lead to various health issues ranging from stomach problems to brain damage. Infants and developing fetuses can be exposed to lead through breast milk or the placenta from mothers with high blood lead levels. Lead is particularly dangerous to children, infants, and fetuses because the physical and behavioral effects occur at lower exposure levels than in adults. Lead can cause damage to the brain and nervous system, slowed growth and development, learning and behavioral problems, and hearing and speech problems which may result in lower IQ, decreased ability to pay attention, and underperformance in school.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch aims to eliminate childhood lead poisoning by identifying and providing care to the affected, while also taking measures to prevent future exposure to lead. Questions and concerns about blood lead levels should be directed to CDPH. The following documents provide actionable steps and resources to reduce your family's exposure to lead:

• CDPH Questions and Concerns
• CDPH Keeping Your Family Lead Safe
• CDPH Lead Service Line Replacement
• CDC's Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention

An Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) Public Health Goal (PHG) is the level of a chemical contaminant in drinking water that does not pose a significant health risk. PHGs are established by reviewing available scientific information, performing a health risk assessment, and identifying a level which would not cause significant adverse health effects if a person were to drink the contaminated water every day for 70 years. The following Technical Support Documents provide information on health effects from lead and copper in drinking water:

• OEHHA's Technical Support Document for the Lead PHG
• OEHHA's Technical Support Document for the Copper PHG

In February 2016, prompted by events in Flint, Michigan, and other US cities, US EPA wrote a letter to states about the need to enhance the implementation and enforcement of drinking water regulations at all levels of government, including the federal Lead and Copper Rule (LCR). Included were specific recommendations on addressing lead action level exceedances, fully implementing and enforcing the LCR, enhancing public transparency and access to data and compliance information, and leveraging additional funding sources to address aging infrastructure needs.

In an accompanying memo, US EPA also clarified tap sampling procedures for the Lead and Copper Rule, with specific recommendations for removal and cleaning of aerators, pre-stagnation flushing, and sample bottle configuration. The memo includes a revised version of the Suggested Directions for Homeowner Tap Sample Collection Procedures (Spanish version).

• CDTSC Requirements for Low Lead Plumbing Products in California
• CDTSC Lead in Plumbing Facts Sheets and FAQs
• CDPH Occupational Lead Poisoning Prevention Program