State & Federal Regulations
New Laws on Lead
The water industry has experienced new laws that affect all Community Water Systems (CWS) and require the identification, documentation, and removal of lead service lines. With changing legal requirements set forth by state and federal authorities, it can be a significant challenge for any community to stay up-to-date with the latest information.
USEPA Revised Lead & Copper Rule
EPA’s Revisions to the Lead and Copper Rule
The Revised Lead & Copper Rule became effective December 16, 2021 and has strengthened drinking water regulations to better protect children and communities from the risks of lead exposure. The major components of the Rule include: Get the Lead Out, Empower Communities, and Better Protection of Children. USEPA has announced its intent to strengthen the Lead and Copper Rule with the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI). The industry anticipates seeing these revisions to the LCRR in the Summer of 2023.
Get the Lead Out
- Sample at LSL Locations
- New Tap Sampling Procedures
- Implementation of a Trigger Level (10 Ppb)
- Replace More Lead Service Lines
- Develop Service Line Inventory
- Find & Fix
Empower Communities
- Educate Homeowners about Elevated Lead Sooner
- Educate Homeowners on Replacement Options
- Develop a Lead Service Line Replacement Plan
Better Protection of Children
- Required Lead and Copper Testing at Schools and Childcare Facilities
- Sample 20% of Schools and 20% of Childcare Facilities Annually (100% in 5 Years)
- Provide Sample Results
Illinois Lead Service Line Replacement & Notification Act
Illinois Develops LSL Replacement & Notification Act
On January 1, 2022 the ILSLRNA went into effect. This Act requires all Community Water Systems (CWS), regardless of size, to assess each water service lines public and private side material. If lead or galvanized steel pipe is suspected or identified as a part of a water service line’s material type, CWS’s must comply with additional documentation, planning and replacement requirements. The Act has a series of compliance dates, requiring submittal to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and notifications to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
Inventory & Replacement Plan
- Identification of Each Water Service’s Material (Public & Private)
- Lead Service Line Replacement Plan
- Make Plan & Inventory Electronically Available
- Annual Progress Report (10 Years) then Triennially Until Complete Replacement
Public Education & Notification
- Written Identification Notices
- Written Replacement Notices
- Information on the Dangers of Lead
- Mitigation Methods
- Detailed Timelines Associated with Each Type of Notification Effort
Regulatory Reporting
- IDPH Waiver of Complete LSL Replacement
- Denial of Replacement (IDPH)
- Partial Lead Service Line Replacement (IDPH)
- Failure to Respond or Sign Waiver (IDPH)
Important Submittal Dates
