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An evaluation of properly operated NSF/ANSI-53 Pb certified drinking water filters in Benton Harbor, MI
Citation:
Tully, J., M. Schock, S. Shilling, V. Bosscher, D. Lytle, S. Harmon, AND C. Bennett-Stamper. An evaluation of properly operated NSF/ANSI-53 Pb certified drinking water filters in Benton Harbor, MI. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH. IWA Publishing, London, Uk, 22(2):296-308, (2024). https://doi.org/10.2166/wh.2024.231
Impact/Purpose:
Communities across the United States and particularly in the Midwest continue to grapple with the complications associated with aging infrastructure. This includes the presence of lead (Pb)-bearing plumbing components such as lead service lines (LSLs), downstream galvanized iron pipes, and Pb/tin (Sn) solder. The community of Benton Harbor, MI, experienced six Pb action level exceedances between 2018 and 2021, leading to increasing community concern and US EPA involvement. Between November 9 and December 17, 2021, US EPA Region 5 and Office of Research and Development (ORD), along with the state of Michigan, conducted a water filter efficacy and Pb-nanoparticulate (<100 nm) study in Benton Harbor to evaluate the performance of NSF/ANSI-53 Pb certified drinking water filters and the presence of nanoparticulate. In this study a total of 199 properly installed and operated drinking water filters (combination of faucet-mounted and pitcher) were tested in their residential locations. One hundred (100%) of the water filters were found to perform to the standard to which they were certified, with filtered drinking water Pb concentrations below 5 ppb (maximum observed was 2.5 ppb). Additionally, Pb particulate was identified, however, discrete Pb-containing nanoparticles were not widely found or identified.
Description:
Communities across the United States and particularly in the Midwest continue to grapple with the complications associated with aging infrastructure. This includes the presence of lead (Pb)-bearing plumbing components such as lead service lines (LSLs), downstream galvanized iron pipes, and Pb/tin (Sn) solder. The community of Benton Harbor, MI, experienced six Pb action level exceedances between 2018 and 2021, leading to increasing community concern and US EPA involvement. Between November 9 and December 17, 2021, US EPA Region 5 and Office of Research and Development (ORD), along with the state of Michigan, conducted a water filter efficacy and Pb-nanoparticulate (<100 nm) study in Benton Harbor to evaluate the performance of NSF/ANSI-53 Pb certified drinking water filters and the presence of nanoparticulate. In this study a total of 199 properly installed and operated drinking water filters (combination of faucet-mounted and pitcher) were tested in their residential locations. One hundred (100%) of the water filters were found to perform to the standard to which they were certified, with filtered drinking water Pb concentrations below 5 ppb (maximum observed was 2.5 ppb). Additionally, Pb particulate was identified, however, discrete Pb-containing nanoparticles were not widely found or identified.
URLs/Downloads:
DOI: An evaluation of properly operated NSF/ANSI-53 Pb certified drinking water filters in Benton Harbor, MI