USEPA Proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements

January 7, 2024

On November 30, 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) that establishes Lead Pipe Replacement Requirements (within 10 years for most water systems), Regular Inventory Updates (to be made publicly available), Improved Tap Sampling Protocol, and Lowering the Lead Action Level (from 15µg/L to 10 µg/L). The EPA estimates that the LCRI rule will cost between $2.1 and $3.6B per year and will provide benefits 4-10X the cost. Learn more about the rule here.

The American Water Works Association (AWWA) has provided a statement on the proposed rule, which estimates the total cost for the rule could easily exceed $90B. The AWWA further notes that there are many barriers to achieving compliance, including economic, social, and legal barriers amongst others and that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act falls well short of covering the costs. 

The EPA welcomes public input as part of the regulatory development process. Any comments on the rule will be accepted until February 5, 2024. Click here to learn more about commenting on EPA Dockets.

T&M is monitoring the EPA rule and is ready to assist our communities with better understanding the impacts of the rule and developing a strategy to address the various components. Please reach out to Shannon Markham, Water Practice Leader, with any questions.