What is the MCL for lead in mg/l?

The maximum contaminant level (MCL) for lead in drinking water is set at 0.015 mg/l. This standard is established to protect public health, as lead is a toxic metal that can cause a range of health issues, especially in young children and pregnant women. Exposure to lead can result in developmental problems and other serious health consequences.

Setting the MCL at this specific value reflects extensive research and risk assessment regarding the impacts of lead exposure. The regulation ensures that public water systems maintain lead concentrations below this threshold, thereby minimizing the risk to consumers. This standard aligns with federal regulations aimed at controlling lead levels in drinking water, such as the Lead and Copper Rule established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

In the context of the other options, values such as 0.05 mg/l, 0.01 mg/l, and 0.1 mg/l either exceed or do not align with the established protective levels for lead in drinking water. Achieving and maintaining lead levels below 0.015 mg/l is critical for safeguarding health and ensuring safe drinking water for all consumers.