The water industry has additional time to prepare for the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR), as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) moved the effective date from June 16, 2021 to December 16, 2021. The USEPA also announced the LCRR compliance date has changed from January 16, 2024 to October 16, 2024.
The delayed effective date will allow Federal agencies to review the LCRR in accordance with the Biden Administration’s review of specific upcoming regulations. The new deadline will also allow USEPA staff to consult with stakeholders that will be affected by the LCRR. The USEPA says the updated deadlines will ensure drinking water systems and primacy States will have adequate time to address any changes necessary to achieve compliance with the LCRR.
The proposed LCRR focuses on:
- Using science-based testing protocols to find more sources of lead in drinking water.
- Establishing a trigger level to jumpstart mitigation earlier and in more communities.
- Driving complete lead service line replacements.
- Requiring water systems to identify and make public the locations of lead service lines.
- Requiring testing in schools and childcare facilities.
To access more information about the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations related to the LCRR, visit the Federal Register or the USEPA website.