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  • Does the Fee Rule for Abatement and RRP Programs apply nationwide?

    Answer: The rule applies only in those states and tribes without their own authorized lead programs. Currently, EPA implements the Lead-based Paint Activities program in 11 states and the Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule in 36 states. Question Number: 23002-33305 Find a printable PDF copy of all frequent questions…

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  • Who is affected by the Fee Rule for Lead Abatement and Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Programs?

    The Fee Rule for Lead Abatement and RRP Programs establishes fees that will be charged for training programs seeking accreditation, for firms engaged in renovations seeking certification and for individuals (for example, risk assessors) or firms engaged in lead-based paint activities that govern lead abatement, inspection and risk assessment activities…

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  • Will boiling my water help?

    No. Boiling water will NOT reduce nitrate levels. In fact, it will make the level of nitrate worse because some of the water will evaporate but the nitrate will not. This increases the concentration of nitrate in water.

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  • Where can I get more information on the Fee Rule for Lead Abatement and Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Programs?

    Answer: You can find fee rule information at Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program Rules . You can also contact the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD . Question Number: 23002-33298 Find a printable PDF copy of all frequent questions pertaining to lead .

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  • What should I do if my water has elevated nitrates and/or exceeds the MCL?

    If nitrate exceeds the MCL of 10 mg/L, you should find a safe alternative drinking water supply. The quickest thing to do is to begin using bottled water for drinking. Another option is to install a treatment that will remove nitrate from your water such as reverse osmosis or a…

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  • Is it safe to shower or bathe in water if it is over the nitrate MCL of 10 mg/L?

    Nitrate is only a concern for ingestion (eating and drinking). It is not absorbed through your skin. People who install filter systems for nitrate often install them just for their kitchen sink faucet, and they use that faucet for their cooking and drinking water.

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  • What is EPA doing?

    EPA is working with its governmental partners and other stakeholders to investigate and address the issue. Most recently, EPA issued a letter to the state of Minnesota requesting a plan of action to address nitrate contamination in drinking water.

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  • Why is nitrate contamination a concern?

    Nitrate is an acute contaminant, meaning that health effects can occur immediately (I.e. within hours or days) of short-term exposure. Too much nitrate in your body makes it harder for red blood cells to carry oxygen. While most people recover quickly, this can be very dangerous for infants and some…

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  • Why have the fees for Lead-Based Paint Activities program decreased since they were first implemented in 1999?

    Since 1999, EPA has made substantial changes in the way it administers its accreditation and certification program. The transition to the automated federal Lead-based Paint Program (FLPP) database and the associated centralized data processing has resulted in lower overall costs of the Lead-Based Paint Activities program . Question Number: 23002-33300…

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  • How do I have my drinking water tested in the future?

    Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommends you use an accredited laboratory to test your water. Contact an accredited laboratory to get sample containers and instructions or ask your county environmental or public health services if they provide well testing services. Accredited Labs in Minnesota Accepting Drinking Water Samples from Private…

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  • What costs does EPA incur that must be recovered by the fees under the Fee Rule for Abatement and RRP Programs?

    Answer: The fees recover EPA's costs for processing applications, enforcing program requirements, and administrative activities such as maintenance of the central database and administering certification examinations. Question Number: 23002-33303 Find a printable PDF copy of all frequent questions pertaining to lead .

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  • Why does EPA charge fees for accreditations and certifications?

    As specified in the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), EPA must establish and implement a fee schedule to recover to the U.S. Treasury the Agency's costs of administering and enforcing the standards and requirements applicable to lead-based paint training programs and contractors. Question Number: 23002-33304 Find a printable PDF copy…

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  • What is nitrate?

    Nitrate (NO3) is a compound of nitrogen and oxygen naturally found in air, soil, water, and some food. Plants and animals require nitrates for their survival and growth, and the human body also produces this compound. In industry, nitrate is used as fertilizers for crops and lawns. Additionally, nitrates are…

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  • What are the possible health effects of nitrate exposure?

    Short-term: Excessive levels of nitrate in drinking water have caused serious illness and sometimes death. The serious illness in infants is due to the conversion of nitrate to nitrite by the body, which can interfere with the oxygen-carrying capacity of the child’s blood leading to blue baby syndrome (methemoglobinemia). This…

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  • How are people potentially exposed to nitrate?

    For many situations, the potential for children’s exposure from drinking water is medium to low. The potential can be higher when private wells become contaminated with nitrates from feed lot and agricultural runoff, and contaminated groundwater. Some geographic areas are at higher risk of drinking water contamination of private wells…

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