Lead in drink water. The consequences of a lower standard

The release of lead to drinking water from lead materials has been a source of concern for many years. At present, it is considered to lower the Dutch drinking water standard for lead from 50 mug/l to 10 or 15 mug/l, for toxicological reasons. This report intends to list the consequences of such a reduction, based on information provided by the water works. The conclusion of the report is that the current standard of 50 mug/l usually is not exceeded, but a lower standard of 10 or 15 mug/l will be exceeded when (non-tin-lined) lead lines are nog replaced. Replacement of lead service lines would probably cost about 250 to 300 million Dutch guilders. The replacement of lead household plumbing might cost a billion Dutch guilders. As long as lead lines are in use, softening results in a lower lead release.DGM/DWL-