EPA Announces Proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI)
December 2023—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the proposed LCRI on Nov. 30, 2023.
The LCRI strengthens key components of the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) and aims to reduce our exposure to lead in drinking water. The LCRI applies to community and nontransient, noncommunity public water systems (PWSs).
Below are some key components of the LCRI:
- Submit initial service line inventories to TCEQ by Oct. 16, 2024 and update annually.
- Develop and submit updated service line inventories (known as baseline inventories) to TCEQ by the LCRI final compliance date—three years after the final LCRI is effective.
- Replace known lead service lines and certain galvanized service lines within 10 years, with limited exceptions.
- Change sample collection procedures for sites that are served by lead service lines to improve tap sampling.
- Lower the lead action level from 15 micrograms per liter (µg/L) to 10 µg/L and eliminate LCRR’s lead trigger level.
- Conduct distribution system and site assessment if an individual sample exceeds the lead action level. (Formerly called the Find-and-Fix approach in the LCRR.)
- Increase public education requirements, such as adding mandatory language about lead health effects to Consumer Confidence Reports.
- Expand allowable sampling waivers to community PWSs if schools and childcare facilities were sampled for lead between Jan. 1, 2021, and the LCRI compliance date, including sampling conducted through the Voluntary Lead Testing in Schools and Childcare Facilities program.
Comment on the Proposed LCRI
EPA invites public comment on the proposed LCRI. 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 . The public comment period ends Feb. 5, 2024.
Upcoming EPA Webinar Dates
- Virtual public hearing on Jan. 16, 2024, where you may provide EPA with verbal comments about the LCRI. Register online at Public Hearing Registration—Eventbrite .
Supporting Material and More Information
- Federal Register Notice: National Primary Drinking Water Regulations for Lead and Copper Improvements
- EPA Webpage: Proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements
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