Revised Lead and Copper Rule

REGULATORY INSIGHT

The United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) is currently working on revisions to the Lead Copper Rule (LCR) to make it more clear and enforceable. The USEPA is aiming to reduce the discretion by individuals, increase transparency by informing consumers when they are served by lead service lines, and improve tap sampling testing protocols and water quality monitoring.

POTENTIAL IMPLICATIONS

• More Specific Treatment Guidelines - Revisions to the Corrosion Control Treatment (CCT) Guidance Manual and requirements for re-evaluation of CCT upon source water change.
• Monitoring Programs Changes - More frequent monitoring, voluntary customer initiated tap water sampling, and periodic monitoring program review.
• Public Education Requirements - Increasing availability of data to the public and increased outreach to caregivers and health care providers.
• Required Inventory of Lead in System - Creating an inventory of all area of lead in the system, including service lines with lead pigtails and goose-necks.
• Systematic Replacement Program - Setting replacement goals for any lines that contain lead and developing funding strategies.

Communication Resources