In the past 20 years, our risk of lead exposure has decreased dramatically. Lead is no longer used in wall paint, cups, gasoline and medicines. Most lead water service lines and household pipes have been replaced with less toxic materials. In 1986, the federal government essentially banned the use of lead materials in water and plumbing systems with the passage of the Safe Drinking Water Act amendments.
In her work as a NRCS soil conservationist Jamie Ponder, of Rockcastle County, works with farmers to implement practices that improve water quality.
With a focus on providing clean, dependable drinking water to Kentucky families, water utilities have looked to regionalization of water services with remarkable results. Since 2000, the total number of public water systems in Kentucky has decreased 55 percent. Systems are working together to solve area water concerns and are realizing regionalization can increase efficiency, better protect the environment and increases a community’s capacity for economic development.