LEAD AND COPPER RULE (LCR)
FOR WATER UTILITIES
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
The US EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) protects communities from the risks of lead and copper exposure through drinking water by using science-based protocols to find the sources of lead, establishing a trigger to jumpstart mitigation in more communities, complete lead service line replacements, and requiring Water Utilities to identify and make public the locations of lead service lines.
The Federal EPA has issued a Draft Final Update to the Lead and Copper Rule.
This update takes effect December 16th, 2021,and compliance is required by October 16th, 2024
After the US EPA Update takes effect, the State of Indiana (IDEM) must review the rule and issue guidance for Indiana Water Utilities.
LEAD AND COPPER RULE (LCR) REVISIONS
EPA’s Revised Lead and Copper Rule aims at protecting the health of our communities by getting the lead out of our drinking water and informing communities. Improvements under the new rule include:
- Using science-based testing protocols to find sources of lead in drinking water.
- Establishing a trigger level to jumpstart mitigation earlier in more communities.
- Driving more and completing lead service line replacements.
- For the first time, requiring testing in schools and childcare facilities.
2021 Final Revisions focus on service lines and premise plumbing through changes in:
- Sampling Plans
- Education and Outreach
- Lead Service Line (LSL) Inventory
- LSL Replacement Plans
- Corrosion Control Treatment
