Ohio’s EPA chief says new rules needed for lead in tap water

TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) — Ohio’s environmental agency leader says federal rules on lead in drinking water need a complete overhaul.

Director Craig Butler says lead contamination in Flint, Mich., and the village of Sebring near Youngstown has put a spotlight on problems with federal guidelines.

Butler says more-thorough testing is needed along with faster notification for residents when lead is found in tap water.

Current U.S. EPA standards call for the public to be told within 60 days of high readings.

Butler sent a letter to Ohio’s congressional delegation this past week outlining his concerns.

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio says he’s working on legislation speeding up notification and the response communities must take.

The U.S. House approved legislation last week clarifying the EPA’s authority to alert the public about lead.