A totaly unnecessary health problem
WASA Violated Lead Law, EPA Says
Public Alert, Testing Called Inadequate
By David Nakamura and Carol D. Leonnig
Washington Post Staff Writers
Friday, April 2, 2004; Page A01
The D.C. Water and Sewer Authority violated federal law by failing to properly notify city residents of high lead levels in the drinking water and to adequately protect public health, regulators at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said yesterday.
In a letter to WASA General Manager Jerry N. Johnson, the EPA alleged that the agency failed to follow six requirements of the federal Lead and Copper Rule, which governs lead in drinking water.
The EPA cited WASA's failure to use federally mandated language in brochures and public service announcements and to undertake more water tests at homes where lead service pipes were replaced last year.
The EPA's letter represents the first official declaration by the federal government that local officials acted improperly. Jon M. Capacasa, water protection director in the EPA's Region III office in Philadelphia, which oversees the District, said the letter represents the initial findings of an audit the EPA started when the lead problem was revealed two months ago.
