Water Quality Lead and Copper

While there is no MCL for lead or copper, the federal government identifies an “action level” (AL) that triggers certain actions by the water provider. The action level is based on the 90th percentile. This means that 90 percent of the samples must be at or below the defined action level. The action level for copper is 1.3 ppm and the action level for lead is 15 ppb.

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. Sherwood 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 running your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. Call or visit the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1 800-426-4791 or http://water.epa.gov/drink/info/lead/index.cfm for more information.

Definitions

Action Level (AL):  The concentration of a contaminant that, if exceeded, triggers a treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow.

Parts per billion (ppb):  1 ppb means that one part of a particular contaminant is present for every 1 billion (1,000,000,000) parts of water. 1 ppb is equivalent to 1 inch in 16,000 miles, 1 second in 32 years and 1 cent in $10 million dollars.

Parts per million (ppm):  1 ppm means that one part of a particular contaminant is present for every 1 million (1,000,000) parts of water.  1 ppm is equivalent to 1 inch in 16 miles, 1 minute in 2 years and 1 cent in $10,000 dollars.