On December 16, 2021, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revised the existing Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) established in 1991. The Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) strengthen regulations for reducing lead in drinking water by:
- expanding public education about lead in drinking water.
- starting water sampling in schools and childcare facilities.
- requiring a public inventory of lead water service lines.
- driving more lead water service line replacements.
LCRR mandates that water utilities nationwide increase tap water testing and create a service line database to check for the presence of lead pipes in water systems, and in elementary schools and daycares. Service lines carry water from the public water main into homes and buildings.
CHARLOTTE WATER’S LEAD REDUCTION PROGRAM
Charlotte Water has been monitoring its water for lead and copper since 1991 and has always met EPA standards. Click here to learn more about Charlotte Water’s water quality efforts.
In response to the LCRR, Charlotte Water launched Lead Free CLT, a lead reduction program with four main components:
- Increased lead testing at elementary schools and childcare facilities.
- Creating a searchable pipe material database with an inventory of private service line pipe materials by location.
- Public education in school/childcare facilities and to the broader community about lead exposure and how to reduce the risk of lead in drinking water.
- Removal of lead service lines or galvanized steel service lines previously downstream of a lead service line.
Sources
United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2022, December 7). Revised Lead and Copper Rule. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/revised-lead-and-copper-rule
United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2021, March 16). National Primary Drinking Water Regulations: Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (86 FR 4198). 4198-4312.