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PUC holds required public hearing on 2010 public health goals; lead traced to customer plumbing
Summary
The SFPUC held its triennial public health goals hearing, reporting that most monitored contaminants met Public Health Goals and regulatory limits; lead exceedances arise from customer plumbing while arsenic was detected only rarely in special studies and not at levels that pose regulatory compliance concerns.
Andrew DeBrasa, director of the Water Quality Division, presented the 2010 Public Health Goals report required by California law and explained the difference between non‑enforceable public health goals (PHGs) and maximum contaminant levels (MCLs). DeBrasa said San Francisco’s regulatory compliance monitoring shows nearly all monitored constituents met PHGs; arsenic was included for special study and occasionally detected at very low levels near laboratory detection limits but did not present a regulatory compliance issue. He told commissioners that the PHG for arsenic is substantially lower than the MCL and that detection is limited by laboratory detection levels.
DeBrasa said lead exceedances continue to be a concern tied to customer plumbing; the PUC has removed many lead service lines from its side of the meter, is accelerating replacement of brass meters with lead‑free models (expected by 2012 with automated meter reading), and has ongoing programs to offer lead‑free faucets and reduced‑cost testing for eligible residents. He reiterated that optimized corrosion control and replacing lead‑bearing devices remain the primary mitigation approaches.
Commissioners directed staff to send a letter to the California Department of Public Health documenting that the hearing had been held and discussed support for federal and state lead‑free legislation; staff noted a prior letter from the general manager covering related federal action was already on record. The commission adopted item 10 by voice vote.
Ending: Staff will submit the required letter to the state health department and continue monitoring and mitigation efforts for lead and other contaminants while tracking special studies for arsenic.
