Six Key Areas of Change

This eBook explores key themes of the potential LCR changes, as well as the implications of those changes, on state agencies and water systems. In particular, it provides insights on how to prepare for upcoming LCR shifts and remain compliant within the bounds of rigorous new revisions.

Identifying the Most Impacted Areas

The new revisions ensure that sampling is occurring where there are known lead service lines. In order for this to happen, water systems will need to create publically available LSL inventories, not only at the water system-owned level, but at the customer-owned level as well. This is going to be a massive undertaking for most water systems.

Strengthening Treatment Requirements

The EPA’s new rule revises requirements for corrosion control treatment based on tap sampling results, as well as establishing a new “trigger level” of 10 µg/L (in addition to the action level of 15 µg/L). This trigger level will introduce a new threshold for certain actions by utilities if they find results between 10-15 µg/L.

Replacing Lead Service Lines

The new rule incentivizes full Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR). At the state level, we believe there will be some refinement of this rule, particularly if states will be playing a role in funding LSLR programs.

Increasing Drinking Water Sampling Reliability

The new rule requires better targeting of locations with possible lead levels as well as making changes to sample collection protocols. These shifts will have implications in regard to the action level and new trigger level, because when systems look for more lead, they will often find it.

Improving Risk Communication to Customers

Perhaps the most significant change is the shrinking of the 30 day notification requirement down to 3 days or 24 hours. In this eBook, we’ll discuss what this means for utilities and how they can prepare.

Schools & Childcare Sampling

This new requirement focuses on protecting children in schools and childcare facilities by placing the responsibility of testing on public water supply systems. We’ll dive into what implications that will have at the state and water system level.