United States EPA has Provided Additional Guidance on Lead Pipes

In August 2022, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued new guidance on developing, maintaining, and locating lead service lines. This guidance comes in response to the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions issued by EPA on December 17, 2021. The updated rule requires each public water utility to create a Service Line Inventory by October 16, 2024. The new guidance posted includes best practices, a template, case studies, and highlights on prioritization factors for disadvantaged communities and schools/daycare areas.

The EPA’s press release regarding this can be found here: https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/revised-lead-and-copper-rule

The full document “Guidance for Developing and Maintaining a Service Line Inventory” and the “Inventory Template” can be found and downloaded from EPA’s website: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-issues-guidance-help-communities-locate-lead-pipes-can-contaminate-drinking-water

Commonwealth is actively incorporating the documentation of discovered service lines in all new construction projects to assist with the LCR Inventory requirements. The new guidance will be incorporated into future endeavors to ensure that all communities can meet the new Lead and Copper Rule requirements to safeguard our communities’ drinking water systems.

We would be happy to discuss these options and other ways we can help in creating your System’s Service Line Inventory. Contact Brady Dryer, Environmental Compliance Manager, 317.888.1177, for more information.