What must water systems implement if they continue exceeding the lead action level?

When water systems consistently exceed the lead action level, it is crucial that they take substantial measures to protect public health and comply with regulatory standards. Implementing a program to replace lead service lines within 15 years is necessary because lead can cause serious health issues, particularly in children and pregnant women. This proactive approach is part of the broader strategy to reduce lead exposure at the source, ensuring that the water supply is safe and free from lead contamination.

Replacing lead service lines helps to eliminate one of the primary sources of lead in drinking water, thus addressing the problem effectively. This requirement reflects the seriousness of lead contamination and the responsibility of water systems to safeguard public health.

In contrast, solely increasing monitoring or sampling frequency, while important, does not directly mitigate the source of lead, and simply shutting down the water supply would not resolve the underlying issue and would be an extreme response that could leave communities without access to safe drinking water. Therefore, the focus on replacement of lead service lines aligns with the need for tangible, long-term solutions to protect consumers.