Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR)

On December 16, 2021, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) issued January 15, 2021 will go into effect to support near term actions to reduce lead in drinking water. The LCRR establishes a compliance deadline of October 16, 2024 for water systems to complete their initial service line inventories. In addition, EPA announced that they will begin developing new regulation, Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), to strengthen key elements of the LCRR.

What Does This Mean for Public Water Systems?

1. The compliance deadline for water systems to complete their initial Lead Service Line (LSL) Inventories is October 16, 2024. Maintaining this compliance deadline ensures water systems will make continued progress to identify lead service lines, which is integral to lead reduction efforts. By preparing a LSL inventory, water systems will be able to target communication to residents in homes with LSLs about the actions they can take to reduce their lead exposure. In addition, the inventories will allow water systems to better identify sampling locations and begin planning for LSL replacement actions including applying for state and federal grants and loans.
2. The compliance deadline for water systems to submit updated lead and copper sample plans and lead service line replacement (LSLR) plans will be extended beyond October 16, 2024. The current LCRR requires that all water systems submit an updated lead and copper tap sampling plan and a lead service line replacement (LSLR) plan by October 16, 2024. However, since the EPA intends to propose changes to the LSLR and tap sampling requirements in the LCRI, the EPA will delay the October 16, 2024 deadline for submitting LSL replacement plans and tap sampling plans so that systems can incorporate any potential revisions made through LCRI. EPA anticipates publishing a proposed LCRI in late 2023.

To view the LCRR in its entirety in the Code of Federal Regulations please visit: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-141/subpart-I.

For more information on the LCRI please visit: https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/lead-and-copper-rule-improvements

Where can I find additional infromation on the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions?

LDH LSLI RequirementsLDH LSLI Frequently Asked Questions

Who should we contact if we have questions about the inventory requirements?

If you have questions about the inventory, you can contact any of the following LDH staff: