Rural water systems, serving 10,000 or fewer people, are the backbone of this country, making up 93% of utilities in the US. They face unique challenges, including funding, operations, and workforce. 85% of utilities operate with three or fewer employees. When the EPA released new Lead and Copper Rule Revisions, it was no surprise to hear from operators how overwhelmed managing the new requirements made them feel. 

120Water has always been sensitive to rural water systems challenges and proudly partnered with National Rural Water Association (NRWA) in 2021 to help water systems prepare for the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR). 

The trusted partnership we’ve built over the years led us to receive an invite this summer to the NRWA In-Service Training, typically held for circuit riders and state trainers only. In-Service focuses on sharing the latest information on regulations, technology, and resources and is a place for rural water staff members to come together nationwide to learn and share dilemmas and solutions with their peers. Naturally, we sent our team of rural water experts, Director of Partnerships Lowell Huffman and Association Programs Manager Laura Vidal, to attend and give them the 120Water experience. 

Because of our partnership with NRWA, 120Water was asked to present classes to EPA and Water Circuit Rider staff regarding the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions. Highlights from the presentations include the following:

Preliminary Inventories are due less than 65 weeks from now.

Circuit Riders should focus on helping systems realize they can transform their utilities through the LCRR prep process and create more resilient utilities for the uncertain regulatory future.

Programs like ours create accessibility and accuracy. The partnership has already saved water systems across the NRWA and State Association Affinity Programs $426,000 – meaning real money back in small systems operating budgets!

State trainers and circuit riders are encouraged to use their individual and collective voices to inform regulatory leaders of already-existing programs that are working well.

Not only did they deliver excellent presentations, but the team outfitted attendees with an LCRR toolkit, complete with a quick reference field guide, handouts for member utilities, and of course, SOCKS. All packaged in the 120Water 1-liter sample box! These were a huge hit, with many folks asking for additional kits for other staff members. 

Many states released guidance documents and resources that differ from the EPA, adding to the confusion and ambiguity. During In-Service, the team unveiled 120Water’s much anticipated state-specific regulation map, which provides a quick view of the slight nuances in each state. The map serves to help cut through the LCRR noise and is updated as states adopt new requirements or policies.Inventories are the first major piece of the LCRR puzzle, but we all know that Lead and Copper Rule Improvements are coming – leaving an amount of uncertainty for many folks. The duo heard firsthand that the uncertainty has halted some utilities from taking action. Equipped with LCRR knowledge, resources, and a brand new pair of socks, our “boots on the ground” NRWA EPA trainers and Circuit Riders were encouraged to keep the gas pedal down, insisting utilities get started now.

Inventories are the first major piece of the LCRR puzzle, but we all know that Lead and Copper Rule Improvements are coming – leaving an amount of uncertainty for many folks. The duo heard firsthand that the uncertainty had halted some utilities from taking action. With LCRR knowledge, resources, and a brand new pair of socks, our “boots on the ground” NRWA trainers and circuit riders were encouraged to keep the gas pedal down, insisting utilities get started now. 

120Water’s LCRR and rural water experts have you covered head to toe. Affiliate rural water associations interested in learning more about establishing a partnership program, or purchasing LCRR toolkits, contact Lowell Huffman (lowell@120water.com), Director of Partnerships at 120Water.

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