Lead and copper can enter drinking water, primarily through plumbing materials. Exposure to lead and copper may cause health problems ranging from stomach distress to brain damage. In 1991, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a regulation to control lead and copper in drinking water. This regulation is known as the Lead and Copper Rule (also referred to as the LCR). For additional information on the LCR, visit https://www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/lead-and-copper-rule.
As required by the EPA and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the City of Dubuque Water Department conducts a lead and copper sampling program to monitor drinking water at customer taps. If lead concentrations exceed an action level of 15 ppb or copper concentrations exceed an action level of 1.3 ppm in more than 10% of customer taps sampled, the City must undertake a number of additional actions to control corrosion.
Other Concerns
While the LCR rule applies to the City of Dubuque and all other water utilities, anyone can take part in the reduction of lead and copper in drinking water. The Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act sets standards for:
- pipe,
- plumbing fittings,
- fixtures,
- solder,
- and flux
For additional information, please contact the Water Department at 563-589-4291.