Stricter Standards for Lead Levels in Drinking Water Introduced

Lead is a cumulative poison that affects the nervous system and can impact on size and intelligence during child development. The standard for lead levels in drinking water from consumers’ taps changed from 25µg/l to 10µg/l on the 25th December, 2013. This has been scheduled since the 1998 EU Drinking Water Directive was first published and since then changes to the standard for lead levels have been phased-in. The new standard of 10µg/l is also incorporated in the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2010.

All water companies in England and Wales have implemented risk-based strategies to achieve compliance with the 10µg/l limit. This has largely been through a two-pronged approach of chemical treatment (phosphate dosing) and pipe replacement. Compliance with the 10µg/l limit has been at 99%, or thereabouts, since 2008.

Although this will impact directly upon the water companies, any organisations with lead pipework within their buildings, or in the communication pipework to their buildings, should be aware of this change. Whilst there is no urgent action to take, the removal of all lead pipework is the ultimate goal.

Checking for the presence of lead pipework within buildings is one of the many areas that is covered in a Water HygieneThe growth of bacteria in water systems is a common cause of potentially-fatal Legionnaires’ disease.  Recent outbreaks of Legionella have highlighted the need for stringent water hygiene risk mana... More Risk Assessment. If you have any concerns or need expert advice about your water hygiene responsibilities, please contact our specialist team of Water Hygiene Consultants.