The USEPA estimates that between six and 10 million lead service lines potentially contaminate drinking water throughout the country. They significantly revised the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) in 2021 to safeguard public health and address the pervasive issue of lead contamination in drinking water. These updates are designed to better protect children and communities by sampling and monitoring water quality at schools and daycare facilities and removing lead sources in our water distribution infrastructure. Complying with these new regulations can present unique challenges for water system owners. This article will highlight how communities can effectively navigate the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR).
One of the most critical changes in the LCRR is the mandate for water system owners to complete a service line materials inventory of all water service lines. The EPA has stipulated that all water service providers must have complete inventories reported by October 2024; however, some states have more rigorous deadlines.
Inventory details can be derived through previous materials evaluations, construction and plumbing codes/records, water system records, distribution system inspections, and records or information gathered during normal operations.
The EPA has identified several investigative methods to determine pipe materials, including visual identification of service line material by the customer, mechanical or vacuum excavation, and water quality sampling. Still, each state has the leeway to establish allowed methods in its jurisdiction.
$15 billion has been made available by the federal government under the Biden Bipartisan Infrastructure Law through the Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (DWSRF) for lead service line replacements," according to epa.gov. "HUD, Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), and many other grant and loan funding programs are also available to assist small and disadvantaged communities."
The good news is that funding rounds are ongoing. Communities seeking funding should partner with specialists who can navigate the application process's nuances and will favorably position you to secure funding as subsequent rounds are made available. This includes a thorough knowledge of possible funding avenues at the local, state, and federal levels.
The use of traditional print and digital media, as well as public hearings, are effective tools for reaching mass audiences. Additionally, GIS-based software can be leveraged to create public-facing web interfaces showing LCRR progress. In fact, for communities serving more than 50,000 people, the LCRR requires online access to water line inventories.
While complying with the LCRR may represent a significant challenge, RJN Group can help make the process much less daunting. With our in-house field technicians and engineering, GIS, and funding experts, we can help advance your community toward achieving a well-funded and compliant lead service line replacement program.