Lead and Copper Notice

By Michele | November 11, 2024

EPA’s Proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements – November 2023

Lead and Copper Information

The proposed LCRI is a major advancement in protecting children and adults from the
significant, and irreversible, health effects from being exposed to lead in drinking water. These
advancements are based on the science and existing practices utilized by drinking water systems.
Key provisions in the proposal include:

Achieving 100% Lead Pipe Replacement within 10 years. When lead service lines are
present, they represent the greatest source of lead exposure in drinking water. The
proposed LCRI would require the vast majority of water systems to replace lead services
lines within 10 years.
Locating Legacy Lead Pipes. Knowing where lead pipes are is critical to replacing them
efficiently and equitably. Water systems are currently required to provide an initial
inventory of their lead service lines by October 16, 2024. Under the proposed LCRI, all
water systems would be required to regularly update their inventories, create a publicly
available service line replacement plan, and identify the materials of all service lines of
unknown material.
Improving Tap Sampling. The proposed LCRI would make key changes to the protocol
that water systems must use for tap sampling informed by best practices already being
deployed at the local and state level, like in Michigan. Water systems would be required
to collect first liter and fifth liter samples at sites with lead service lines and use the
higher of the two values when determining compliance with the rule.
Lowering the Lead Action Level. EPA is proposing to lower the lead action level from
15 μg/L to 10 μg/L. When a water system’s lead sampling exceeds the action level, the
system would be required to inform the public and take action to reduce lead exposure
while concurrently working to replace all lead pipes. For example, the system would
install or adjust corrosion control treatment to reduce lead that leaches into drinking
water.
Strengthening Protections to Reduce Exposure. Water systems with multiple lead
action level exceedances would be required to conduct additional outreach to consumers
and make filters certified to reduce lead available to all consumers. The filters must be
certified to reduce lead.

Taken together, these provisions in the proposed LCRI would strengthen public health
protections, reduce complexity, and streamline implementation. EPA anticipates finalizing the
LCRI prior to October 16, 2024.

Questions and Answers

How do I know if I have a lead service line?

Contact your water utility or a licensed plumber to determine if the pipe that connects
your home to the water main (called a service line) is made of lead. When lead service
lines are present, they represent the greatest source of lead exposure in drinking water.
EPA is proposing the replacement of lead service lines and certain galvanized service
lines under the control of the water system in 10 years or under.
EPA is proposing to require water systems to develop an inventory that includes the
material and location of service lines and connectors in their service area. This inventory
would be publicly accessible and offer you another way to find out if you have a lead
service line.

What can I do to protect myself from lead?

Learn more about lead in drinking water and how to limit your exposure here. EPA also
recommends you contact your water system and health department for localized
guidance.
Some steps you can take at any time, to reduce your exposure to lead in drinking water
include:
- Have your water tested. Contact your water utility to have your water tested and
  to learn more about the lead levels in your drinking water.
- Learn if you have a lead service line. Contact your water utility or a licensed
  plumber to determine if the pipe that connects your home to the water main is
  made from lead. Contact your water utility to learn about service line
  replacement.
- Run your water. Before drinking, flush your home’s pipes by running the tap,
  taking a shower, doing laundry, or doing a load of dishes. The amount of time to
  run the water will depend on whether your home has a lead service line or not,
  and the length of the lead service line. Residents should contact their water utility
  for recommendations about flushing times in their community.
- Learn about construction in your neighborhood. Be aware of any construction
  or maintenance work that could disturb your lead service line. Construction may
  cause more lead to be released from a lead service line.
- Use cold water. Use only cold water for drinking, cooking and making baby
  formula. Hot water from the tap can contain higher levels of lead. Remember,
  boiling water does not remove lead from water.
- Clean your aerator. Regularly clean your faucet’s screen (also known as an
  aerator). Sediment, debris, and lead particles can collect in your aerator. If lead
  particles are caught in the aerator, lead can get into your water.
- Use your filter properly. If you use a filter, make sure you use a filter certified to
  remove lead. Read the directions to learn how to properly install and use your
  cartridge and when to replace it.

How would the proposed rule protect me?

EPA is proposing the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) to significantly
reduce exposure to lead through drinking water. The proposed LCRI strengthens key
elements of the rule in three main focus areas: replacing lead service lines, reducing
complexity for public health protection, and increasing transparency and informing the
public.
EPA is proposing to require water systems to replace lead service lines under the control
of the water system within 10 years, with limited exceptions.
The proposed rule also includes revisions that would enable states, water systems and
communities to better identify where lead service lines are.
EPA is also proposing to reduce the lead action level to 10 μg/L to require more water
systems to take action sooner to control corrosion and provide public education.
EPA is proposing to improve the public education requirements for water systems by
updating the content and delivery frequency for more proactive messaging about lead in
drinking water, as well as other revisions to increase transparency and better inform the
public of lead exposure and health risks.
The proposed LCRI would reduce the complexity of the rule and includes provisions that
support more efficient implementation by water systems while reducing lead exposure in
more communities.
EPA is proposing to strengthen tap sampling procedures to better identify communities
most at risk of elevated lead in drinking water to better compel systems to take actions.

What are the health effects of lead?

There is no safe level of lead in drinking water. Exposure to lead in drinking water can
cause serious health effects in all age groups, especially pregnant people, infants (both
formula-fed and breastfed), and young children.
Some of the health effects to infants and children include decreases in IQ and attention
span. Lead exposure can also result in new or worsened learning and behavior problems.
The children of persons who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy may be at
increased risk of these harmful health effects.
Adults have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney or nervous
system problems.
Contact your health care provider for more information about your risks.
What is a proposed rule?
Before EPA finalizes a drinking water regulation, it publishes a proposed rule to get
feedback that EPA will consider when developing a final rule.
EPA is sharing the proposed rule with the public to provide an opportunity for all
stakeholders – from drinking water consumers to water systems to public health
professionals – to share their feedback.
You can share your input on the proposal by submitting a comment through the public
docket, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2022-0801, at www.regulations.gov.

How do I provide comment on the proposed LCRI?

EPA welcomes public input as part of the regulatory development process. EPA invites
members of the public to review the proposed LCRI and supporting information and
provide written comments at www.regulations.gov, Docket ID Number: EPA-HQ-OW-
2022-0801. Follow the online instructions for submitting written comments. Comments
must be submitted to the public docket during the 60-day public comment period.
EPA will consider all public comments in informing the development of the final
regulation. For more information and instructions on how to submit written comments to
the public docket, visit: https://www.epa.gov/dockets/commenting-epa-dockets.
EPA will also hold a virtual public hearing on January 16, 2024, at which the public will
be invited to provide EPA with verbal comments. For more information on the public
hearing and how to provide EPA with verbal and written comments, see registration information above.

Download PDF of Lead and Copper Information

Aw Research Laboratories

(218) 829-7974
314 Charles Street
Brainerd, MN 5640
https://www.awlab.com

Lead testing is $34
Drinking water quality including lead is $91

We suggest contacting the lab for information on the process of testing there water.

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