EPA Proposes Stricter Lead and Copper Rule
The EPA is proposing revisions to the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) to enhance protections against lead in drinking water. The proposed changes would mandate more thorough lead service line inventories and more aggressive actions to reduce lead exposure. Manufacturers that use lead in their products or processes will need to assess the potential operational impact of these new requirements.
- The original Lead and Copper Rule was established in 1991 to control lead and copper in drinking water, as exposure can lead to health problems ranging from stomach issues to brain damage. The rule has undergone several revisions, with significant updates in 2007, 2021, and the newly proposed "Lead and Copper Rule Improvements" (LCRI). - A central requirement of the proposed rule is the mandatory replacement of all lead service lines nationwide within 10 years. The EPA estimates there are up to 9.2 million of these lead pipes still in use across every state. - To fund this mandate, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocates $15 billion specifically for lead service line replacement over five years, supplemented by an additional $11.7 billion in general drinking water funds that can also be used for this purpose. - The proposed revisions lower the "action level" for lead from 15 parts per billion (ppb) to 10 ppb. Exceeding this level in more than 10% of sampled customer taps triggers requirements for corrosion control and public notification. - Water systems will be required to complete a baseline inventory of their service lines and submit a replacement plan by November 1, 2027. The rule also mandates lead testing in schools and licensed childcare facilities. - The total cost to replace all lead service lines is a significant concern, with estimates reaching as high as $90 billion, far exceeding the dedicated federal funding. The average cost to replace a single line is estimated at over $10,000. This funding gap raises concerns about the financial burden on local water systems and potential increases in water bills for consumers. - The rule requires improved and more reliable sampling methods, including "5th liter" sampling for homes with lead service lines, which is designed to better capture lead levels from the service line itself rather than internal plumbing. - Industry groups like the American Water Works Association (AWWA) support the goal of replacing all lead lines but have expressed concerns about the feasibility of the 10-year timeline and potential shortages of skilled workers.
