What does the Water Conservation Fee exclude from funding?

The Water Conservation Fee is designed to fund various aspects of water sampling and conservation efforts, which includes supporting initiatives that improve water quality and ensure public health. However, lead and copper sample collection is often excluded from the funding provided by this fee. This is primarily due to the specific regulations and requirements established under the Lead and Copper Rule.

The Lead and Copper Rule mandates that utilities perform lead and copper sampling to monitor and control levels of these metals in drinking water. This sampling is typically a legal requirement meant to protect public health, which means funding for it often comes from other sources dedicated to compliance with federal regulations. By excluding lead and copper sample collection from the Water Conservation Fee, funding can be focused on other water quality initiatives that may not have the same regulatory backing or financial support.

The other options involve activities that may still be funded by the Water Conservation Fee as they relate to broader water quality monitoring and management efforts that aim to conserve water and maintain safety standards in drinking water supplies.