Exemptions may be allowed if the source water was of high quality or if site-specific requirements were met. Use of lead in pipes, fixtures and distribution systems will be limited and measures to control corrosion are required. Education programs will have to be conducted, whether a system is in violation of the standard or not. Many lead-lined drinking water fountains in schools and public buildings will have to be replaced. Variances and exemptions to some of the SDWA Amendments can be granted if best available technologies are used to control contaminants, if risks to human health will not develop as a result, if compelling economic factors are shown, and if no alternative drinking water sources are available.
Exemptions can require point of use treatment devices or supplying bottled water.
Increased monitoring will be required for many substances. The amount of monitoring that needs to be performed will depend on pollution vulnerability studies. Regulations for 30 synthetic organic chemicals and eight inorganic chemicals have also been proposed. The radon regulations could affect parts of South Texas, the Hill Country, the High Plains, and the greater Houston area where high levels have been reported. The amount of sampling will vary depending on the size of the system and may be reduced if only groundwater is utilized and if the water is sanitary.