Medford Water Commission - New Lead and Copper Regulations

The Environmental Protection Agency has issued draft changes to the Lead and Copper Rule, which regulates the testing and allowable levels of lead and copper in drinking water. Our two water supplies – Big Butte Springs and the Rogue River – do not contain lead or copper. However, lead and copper can be released into the water from materials in the water system and home plumbing.

The changes would ensure that more water systems proactively take steps to prevent lead exposure, especially in schools, childcare facilities, and the most at-risk communities. What this means for the Commission is that our lead sampling program may be extended to cover more schools and childcare facilities to confirm their water is safe. We’ll know more when the revisions are finalized in 2020.

The good news is that we already meets other requirements under the draft rule – we’ve already completed a program to find and remove all lead service lines, and we already meet the proposed lower lead limit for individual homes.

We’re currently investing in new water quality facilities that will further protect the health of our customers and our local environment. These new facilities are part of our commitment to providing excellent water quality to our customers.

Information on lead and copper and planned water quality improvements is available here if you want to learn more!