EPA Proposes Amendments to the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations for Lead and Copper: Improvements (LCRI)

On December 6, 2023, in the Federal Register, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) proposed revisions to the National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for lead and copper under the authority of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).

The purpose of this proposed amendment is to improve public health protection.

The amendment would require water systems to replace lead service lines, remove the lead trigger level, reduce the lead action level to 0.010 mg/L, and strengthen tap sampling procedures. Additional improvements include corrosion control treatment, public education and consumer awareness, requirements for small systems, and sampling in schools and childcare facilities. The comment period closes on February 5, 2024.