Which material is no longer acceptable for drinking water service lines?

• A. PVC
• B. Stainless Steel
• C. Copper
• D. Lead

Answer: (D)

Lead is no longer acceptable for drinking water service lines because it can leach into the water and pose serious health risks, especially to children and pregnant people. There is no safe level of lead in drinking water, and even low concentrations can affect development and health. Modern standards require lead-free materials for pipes, fittings, and joints, so options like PVC, stainless steel, and copper are considered acceptable when installed with lead-free components and proper corrosion control. The key idea is to remove lead-containing materials from the portion of the system that comes into contact with drinking water to prevent contamination.