principle 2

Water utilities and government officials must do more to prevent lead from contaminating drinking water and to remove it once it leaches.

• Utilities, states, and EPA must put a stop to the use of improper sampling procedures known to miss worst-case levels of lead in drinking water, including the improper practice of sampling at lower-risk homes, pre-flushing, or aerator removal. Such practices contribute to false assurances about safety, and may prevent a water utility from properly understanding the corrosion control treatment needs of its system.
   
• Water utilities must initiate proactive, aggressive lead service line removal programs, and must remove lead service lines fully rather than partially.
   
• Water utilities, states, and EPA must provide accurate information to the public about the prevalence of lead in drinking water, the potential for erratic release of lead into drinking water, and the risks posed by lead in drinking water, particularly for pregnant women, infants dependent on reconstituted formula, and young children.