A case study of lead in drinking water: protocol, methods, and investigative techniques

A comprehensive study was performed to determine whether lead (Pb) in drinking water exceeded acceptable levels at a manufacturing and research site. Recent research indicates the possibility of abnormal adolescent development if the mother's blood lead levels exceed 15 micrograms lead per dL of whole blood. Using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates of average consumption and ratios correlating the amount of lead consumed to blood lead levels, a level of 10 micrograms/L of lead in water was determined to be acceptable. Water samples were collected from each type of water cooler and from faucets in every bathroom on site. Samples were collected that represented worst case exposures. Novel methods were used to identify the source of lead at those locations that exceeded the acceptable limit for lead. Control techniques are discussed. A laboratory study was performed to determine if lead could be prevented from leaching into drinking water from existing plumbing systems by treating the system with carbon dioxide gas.