Nov 30 [press release] -- EPA Proposes to Strengthen the Lead and Copper Rule to Protect All Communities in America from Lead in Drinking Water
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a proposal to strengthen its Lead and Copper Rule that would require water systems across the country to replace lead service lines within 10 years. EPA is also proposing additional improvements to protect public health, such as lowering the lead action level and improving sampling protocols utilized by water systems. Today’s proposed action significantly advances President Biden’s commitment to remove every lead service line in America to protect children and vulnerable populations from the negative impacts of lead in drinking water, particularly those living in disadvantaged communities.
The Biden-Harris Administration is using every tool available to help communities and water systems Get the Lead Out—including investing a historic $15 billion through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to replace lead service lines, providing technical assistance to communities, and supporting the development of a national inventory of lead service lines. The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements are central to the whole of government approach detailed in the Administration’s Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan. . . .
The science is clear: there is no safe level of lead exposure. In children, it can severely harm mental and physical development—slowing down learning and damaging the brain. In adults, lead can cause increased blood pressure, heart disease, decreased kidney function, and cancer.
The proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements are a major advancement in protecting children and adults from these significant, and irreversible, health effects from lead in drinking water. Key provisions in the proposal include:
-- Achieving 100% Lead Pipe Replacement within 10 years.
-- Locating legacy lead pipes.
-- Improving tap sampling.
-- Lowering the Lead Action Level.
-- Strengthening protections to reduce exposure.
The proposal would also require water systems to communicate more frequently and proactively with consumers about lead service lines and the system’s plans for replacing the lines.
Once the proposed rule is published in the Federal Register, EPA will accept comments for 60 days. The agency will also hold a virtual public hearing on January 16, 2024, at which time the public will be invited to provide EPA with verbal comments.
Proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements -- fact sheet, rule summary, technical information, proposed rule
https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/proposed-lead-and-copper-rule-improvements
WH Fact Sheet:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/11/30/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-announces-new-action-to-protect-communities-from-lead-exposure/
EPA press release:
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/biden-harris-administration-proposes-strengthen-lead-and-copper-rule-protect-all