DC Water and Sewer Authority and lead in drinking water: a case study in environmental health risk management.
In 2001, following a change in disinfection agent in anticipation of the Environment Protection Agency Disinfection Byproduct Rule, lead levels began rising in drinking water in Washington, District of Columbia, and in 2002, the DC Water and Sewer Authority was found to have exceeded the Environment Protection Agency lead action level, requiring compliance with a series of measures under the Lead and Copper Rule. In 2004, the issue became a public concern, drawing considerable media attention. The problem was eventually resolved through the application of orthophosphate but while it played out, the utility was forced to respond to a novel public health issue with few risk management options. This case study examines the lessons learned.
Guidotti
Tee L
TL
Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health and Health Services, The George Washington University, 2100 M St, NW, Suite 203, Washington, DC 20052, USA. eohtlg@gwumc.edu
Moses
Marina S
MS
Goldsmith
David F
DF
Ragain
Lisa
L
D001294:Attitude to Health; D003256:Community Participation; D003300:Copper / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity; D004203:Disinfection; D004219:District of Columbia; D004869:Equipment Safety; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination / Q000379:methods; D007854:Lead / Q000032:analysis* / Q000633:toxicity; D007855:Lead Poisoning / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008402:Mass Media; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D011635:Public Health Administration / Q000592:standards*; D012308:Risk Management; D014481:United States; D014484:United States Environmental Protection Agency; D014877:Water Pollution, Chemical / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018508:Water Purification; D014881:Water Supply / Q000032:analysis* / Q000592:standards
D007854:Lead; D003300:Copper