According to the Lead and Copper Rule, what are the action levels for lead and copper in mg/L?

The action levels for lead and copper as established by the Lead and Copper Rule are critical for protecting public health. The correct action levels are 0.015 mg/L for lead and 1.3 mg/L for copper. These specific thresholds are set to ensure that drinking water remains safe for consumption, as both lead and copper can have adverse health effects, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women.

Lead at levels exceeding 0.015 mg/L can lead to elevated blood lead levels in children, which can negatively impact their development. Similarly, copper levels that exceed 1.3 mg/L can cause health issues like gastrointestinal distress and, over time, may affect liver function.

Setting these action levels allows water systems to take necessary actions to reduce lead and copper concentrations if they are found to exceed these limits, thereby mitigating risks to the community's health. Thus, these two figures are essential in ensuring compliance with environmental standards and safeguarding public health.