68-221-720 - Lead free requirements Notice Exceptions.
68-221-720. Lead free requirements Notice Exceptions.
(a) All pipe, solder or flux which is used in the installation or repair of any public water system shall be lead free; provided, that this shall not apply to lead joints necessary for the repair of cast iron pipes.
(b) All pipe, solder or flux which is used in the installation or repair of any plumbing, in a residential or nonresidential facility, which provides water for human consumption and is connected to a public water system shall be lead free.
(c) (1) Each supplier shall identify and provide notice to all persons that may be affected by lead contamination of their drinking water where such contamination results from the following:
(A) The lead content in the construction materials of the public water distribution system; or
(B) Corrosivity of the water supply sufficient to cause leaching of lead.
(2) (A) This notice shall be provided in such manner, form and frequency as may be reasonably required by the commissioner.
(B) Notice under this subsection shall be provided, notwithstanding the absence of a violation of any drinking water regulation of the state.
(3) Notice under this subsection shall provide a clear and readily understandable explanation of the following:
(A) The potential sources of lead in the drinking water;
(B) Potential adverse health effects;
(C) Reasonably available methods of mitigating known or potential lead content in drinking water;
(D) Any steps the supplier is taking to mitigate lead content in drinking water; and
(E) The necessity for seeking alternative water supplies, if any.
(d) (1) Any area where a local governmental unit has enacted or will enact ordinances, codes, regulations or governing policies not less stringent than subsection (b) is exempt from the provisions of subsection (b).
(2) There is reserved to the state the right to administer or enforce any applicable ordinances, codes, regulations or governing policies of the local governmental unit, should it fail to properly administer or enforce such ordinances, codes, regulations or governing policies.
(e) Nothing herein shall be construed to require any public water system or any residential or nonresidential facility to remove or replace any piping or plumbing, installed prior to March 18, 1988, except as may be necessary in making a repair.
[Acts 1988, ch. 583, § 1; T.C.A., § 68-13-720.]