In the early stages, the symptoms of ALS -- also called Lou Gehrig's disease -- include: 1  Increasing weakness in one limb, especially in a hand. 2  Difficulty walking. 3  Clumsiness of the hands. 4  Fasciculations, which are subtle, light twitches under the skin.  Impaired speech.
The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Section 1417(a)(1) required that after June 19, 1986 only lead free pipe, solder or flux could be used in the installation or repair of any plumbing in residential or non-residential facility providing water for human consumption, which is connected to a Public Water System.
The problem was addressed in 2004 by adding additional treatments to the water, preventing the chloramine from dissolving lead in the water mains, solder joints, and fixtures. In 2010, the CDC reported that 15,000 homes in the Washington, D.C. area might still have water supplies with dangerous levels of lead.