The Environmental Protection Agency Issues Final Lead and Copper Rule Improvements

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released its final Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) on October 8, 2024. The final rule is a significant step forward in protecting public health by reducing lead exposure in the nation's drinking water, helping to ensure all Americans, particularly those in underserved and rural communities, have access to safe water.

The EPA's new rule boldly mandates the removal of nearly all lead service lines nationwide within the next decade. The National Rural Water Association (NRWA) recognizes the profound public health benefits this will bring, including reducing risks of cardiovascular disease, developmental issues, and cancer. The rule also strengthens corrosion control and calls for faster action on lead exceedances.

"NRWA understands the necessity of removing lead from our nation's drinking water and recognizes EPA's effort to do so. With the help of our State Affiliates, Rural Water will continue providing essential technical assistance and training to the nation's small and rural water systems as they work to meet the ambitious requirements set by the LCRI," said NRWA Chief Executive Officer Matt Holmes.

As a founding member of the "Get the Lead Out" Partnership, NRWA has been dedicated to this initiative from its inception. Since 1976, NRWA has been the water industry leader in delivering onsite technical assistance and will continue to support systems as they navigate the complexities of this new rule.

While NRWA commends the EPA's public health goals, NRWA also stresses the need for practical and realistic implementation. Over 91% of the nation's nearly 50,000 community water systems serve fewer than 10,000 people, and 81% serve fewer than 3,300 people. Small and rural systems often struggle to comply with complex federal mandates due to limited financial resources and technical expertise. The 10-year timeline for lead service line replacement presents a significant challenge, especially with existing federal funding falling short of covering the true, full cost of compliance.

NRWA has urged the EPA to ensure regulatory flexibility, increased financial assistance, and exemptions for small systems where appropriate. NRWA continues to advocate for the unique needs of rural communities, particularly when private property ownership complicates the replacement process.

Looking ahead, NRWA remains engaged with the EPA to monitor any changes to the rule and keep our members fully informed. NRWA will also continue its effective grassroots advocacy in Congress, pushing for additional assistance to help small communities meet these regulatory demands without imposing additional unaffordable rate increases on their customers, the American public.

Specific information about the final rule can be found on the EPA's website,including fact sheets, press releases, and information on available funding. For more information or assistance, please contact Dr. John DeGour in NRWA's Washington, D.C. office at [email protected].

###

The National Rural Water Association is the largest public drinking water and sanitation utility organization, representing the interests of more than 31,000 water and wastewater utilities nationwide. NRWA provides training and technical assistance through affiliated State Rural Water Associations dedicated to supporting and promoting water and wastewater professionals who serve small communities in all 50 States and Puerto Rico. NRWA and the State Affiliates provide training on operator certification, financial sustainability, environmental compliance, utility management and governance to more than 100,000 water professionals annually.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.