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ARTICLE · 24 OCTOBER 2024

EPA Issues Final Lead And Copper Rule Improvements With Far Reaching Lead Pipe Replacement Mandates

Beveridge & Diamond, P.C.
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What Happened? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued its final Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), marking a pivotal change in the regulation of lead in drinking water.

United StatesEnvironment
Thomas Richichi
Thomas Richichi
Erika H. Spanton
Erika H. Spanton
Ning Hsu
Ning Hsu

Key Takeaways

  • What Happened? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued its final Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), marking a pivotal change in the regulation of lead in drinking water. This updated rule mandates full replacement of all lead service lines across the country within 10 years, with some limited exceptions, among other significant requirements. Notably, when a water system has access—whether legal or physical—to conduct a full replacement of lead or galvanized requiring replacement (GRR) service lines, it is considered to have control over the service line and must replace it under the LCRI. This can include lead service lines on a homeowner's property. The LCRI is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on October 30, 2024, and to take effect on December 29, 2024.

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