Within the European Community the standard for lead is 10µg/l and this had to be in place by member states by the end of 2013. As from the end of 2003 regulations in England and Wales required utilities to treat to deliver compliance with 10µg/l. In the UK water utilities have largely met the higher standards required in Europe through plumbosolvency treatment (phosphate dosing, pH adjustment, colour reduction). This approach has been highly successful with lead concentrations falling by more than 90% in England and Wales, with most utilities achieving more than 99% compliance with the 10µg/L standard . This will allow lead pipe replacement programmes to be efficiently targeted and phased in over future decades with minimal disruption.