What is the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for lead?

The Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for lead in drinking water is set at 0.015 mg/L, or 15 parts per billion (ppb). This standard is established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to protect public health. Lead can have serious health effects, particularly in young children and pregnant women, including developmental issues and damage to the nervous system. By regulating lead levels to a maximum of 0.015 mg/L, the EPA aims to minimize these health risks and ensure safer drinking water for consumers.

Setting the MCL for lead at 0.015 rather than higher levels reflects the agency's commitment to protecting vulnerable populations, as any amount of lead exposure can be harmful. The lower the permissible level, the greater the effort to safeguard public health, especially considering that lead can accumulate in the body over time.