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Navigating the Lead and Copper Rule

The EPA revised rules surrounding lead service line identification and mitigation in December of 2021.

As a result, every water system in the country, regardless of how many lead service lines remain in use, must perform a service line materials inventory that includes the area between the road and the customer's house or building (area between the property boundary and the outside wall/foundation of the house or building).

LeadRemoval.info was created to help communities inventory, prioritize and remove lead service lines, all while keeping you informed and involved.

Are you a community water system seeking help with lead and copper rule compliance? Contact info@LeadRemoval.info to discuss your needs with an expert.

Typical service line illustration, showing where public and private boundaries usually are found. Private, view more information Public, view more information Internal Plumbing, view more information Service line, view more information

This cross-section illustrates typical service line configuration and is provided for illustrative purposes only.

Questions or Concerns?
1-833-739-4633 or Info@LeadRemoval.Info

More About the New Lead & Copper Rule

Do I Have Lead Service Lines?

Please select your state from the map below to find out more.

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What's Happening in My Community?

LeadRemoval.info will continue to support new communities. Please check back if your state and city isn't listed.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently revised its Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) to further protect public health and reduce exposure to lead and copper in drinking water. The revised LCR sets new requirements for water systems to follow. Overall, the revised LCR places a greater emphasis on proactive monitoring and risk management to reduce lead and copper exposure in drinking water. Water systems must take action to comply with the new requirements and protect public health.

Following are steps that community water systems can take to become compliant with the new rule:

Step 1

Conduct a Lead and Copper Service Line Inventory: The water system will create a baseline assessment, identifying where lead, galvanized requiring replacement, and unknown service lines are and what materials are being used in areas they are not.

Step 2

Service Line Inventory Complete and Submitted: The water system has completed their baseline service line inventory and submitted to the state for review. If unknowns, lead, or galvanized requiring replacement service lines are indicated, a confirmation sampling plan and subsequent replacement planning of lead and galvanized lines requiring replacement will be required. If a system is deemed non-lead, a replacement plan is not required.

Step 3

Develop Protocols and Sampling Plan: The water system will either report or develop and report protocols for sampling, as well as a corrosion treatment plan.

Step 4

Develop a Replacement Plan: The water system will develop a replacement plan that includes outreach to property owners with properties that have been identified as having a lead service lines.

Water systems will also focus on improving public education and outreach efforts related to the risks of lead and copper.

How Can I Get More Information?

Following are answers to Frequently Asked Questions. Call the LeadRemoval.info hotline at 1-833-739-4633 or send an email to info@LeadRemoval.Info for additional information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the revised lead and copper rule?

The Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) were issued by the EPA to strengthen their existing Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) for public water systems by requiring public water supply utilities to:

  • Change lead sampling and corrosion control
  • Increase lead testing in schools and childcare facilities
  • Prepare an inventory of service line materials
  • Increase the number of lead service line replacements
  • Expand public education and customer outreach

How does this process work?

Community water systems will begin by creating a service line inventory that involves identifying and mapping all lead service lines in a particular area. Creating an inventory can be a complex and time-consuming process that includes identifying the service area, obtaining records, conducting field surveys, verifying service line material, creating a map, and updating the inventory regularly.

Is my water safe to drink?

It's important to note that the presence of lead service lines does not necessarily mean that drinking water is contaminated with lead. Public water suppliers have been complying with existing EPA provisions for testing water for lead, and providing treatment and corrosion control to limit concentrations of lead below EPA limits. However, lead service lines can pose a risk if they corrode or break down, possibly causing lead to leach into the water supply. It's important for water utilities to monitor lead service lines to ensure that they are continuing to provide their customers with safe and clean drinking water.

Will I be notified if I have a lead service line?

Yes, you will be notified if lead service lines are detected at your residence and provided with information about potential health risks and available resources. Notification may be provided in written format, in person, via telephone or public notice.

What should I do if I have lead service lines?

If your community is working with LeadRemoval.Info, we will provide updates on progress, including information about steps your community is taking to reduce lead risks, including conducting an inventory of service line materials, and potential plans for lead service line replacement.

Will there be any cost to me to replace my service line if it is determined to have lead?

This varies widely based on available funding and community programs. Check your community page for more information.

What if I have lead pipes in my home?

The Lead and Copper Rule does not apply to lead pipes within your dwelling.

How much does it cost to replace a lead service line?

On average, the replacement of a lead service line between the street and the home is between $5,000 and $10,000. The actual cost will vary by location, size and length of service line, need for repaving, and other factors.

How will lead service line replacements be prioritized?

The replacement plan will be developed to ensure replacement plans don't unfairly favor one group over another. There are a variety of factors that will be used to determine prioritization, including health risk (daycare, elderly, and other factors could be considered), equity, number of lead service lines in an area, and funding, which all may impact the prioritization plan. Replacement requirements vary by location.

Who can I talk to about potential lead service lines in my area?

1-833-739-4633
info@LeadRemoval.Info

Who Can Answer My Questions?

Call the LeadRemoval.info hotline at
1-833-739-4633

or, send an email to
info@LeadRemoval.Info

If your community is working with LeadRemoval.info you will receive a follow up communication within two business days.