Which contaminant's MCL is set at 0.015 ppm in drinking water?

The maximum contaminant level (MCL) for lead in drinking water is established at 0.015 parts per million (ppm) due to lead's serious health risks, particularly in vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women. Lead can cause developmental issues, learning disabilities, and various health problems if ingested. The regulation of lead levels in drinking water aims to minimize these risks by limiting the amount that can be present, ensuring safer drinking water for the public.

In contrast, while copper is also regulated due to its potential adverse health effects, its MCL differs. Nitrate has a separate established MCL, significantly higher than that for lead, and turbidity, while important to monitor for water quality, is measured using different criteria and is not assigned an MCL in the same way as chemical pollutants like lead or nitrate. Understanding these standards emphasizes the importance of maintaining safe drinking water and protecting public health.