Lead & Copper

Lead is a naturally occurring metal that is found in our environment in air, soil, dust and water. It
is harmful to our health if swallowed or ingested. The most common source of lead in homes is
from exposure to chips and dust from lead-based paint which was commonly used in homes
until banned in the late 1970’s

Lead can enter drinking water when plumbing materials that contain lead corrode. Lead pipes,
older faucets or fixtures and plumbing with lead solder are the most common sources of lead

Bethel Water Department has treated its water with a corrosion inhibitor for many years and has
been in compliance with Federal and State lead and copper standards since the implementation
of the original Lead & Copper Rule 1991. The Action Level per EPA requirements and our most
recent results are shown below:

                                                          Lead (mg/l) Copper (mg/l)
Action Level:*                                          .015       1.3
2023 Bethel Water Department Results: .001        0.45
2021 Bethel Water Department Results: .001        0.4
2020 Bethel Water Department Results: .001        0.4
2019 Bethel Water Department Results: .001        0.45

* Compliance is determined if 90% of the samples have a lead concentration at or below .015
mg/l. The results shown above indicate that our 90th percentile lead concentration is .001 mg/l
which is below the Lead Action Level and indicates that our system is in compliance.
Bethel Water Department is developing an inventory of all water service pipes and has asked
customers to check the water service pipes that enter their structure and provide that
information along with a photo following the guidelines provided below.