The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed revisions to the National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for lead and copper under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The proposed rule aims to improve public health protection by reducing exposure to lead and copper in drinking water.
Key Aspects of the Proposed Revisions:
Lead Service Lines: The proposed rule includes a requirement for full replacement of lead service lines by water systems, which is a significant source of lead in drinking water.
Lead Trigger Level and Action Level: The rule introduces a new “trigger level” of 10 ppb, which if exceeded, requires water systems to take actions such as planning for lead service line replacement and corrosion control treatment.
Tap Sampling Procedures: The rule proposes improvements to tap sampling procedures to better target locations with higher lead levels and capture changes in water quality.
Corrosion Control Treatment: The rule includes requirements for corrosion control treatment based on tap sampling results and the presence of lead service lines.
Public Education and Consumer Awareness: The rule enhances public education and consumer awareness about the risks of lead exposure, especially for vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women.
Sampling in Schools and Child Care Facilities: The rule proposes required sampling in schools and child care facilities served by the water system, helping protect our most vulnerable populations.
Small Systems: The rule includes provisions to ensure that small systems have the technical, managerial, and financial capacity to comply with the new requirements.
Disproportionate Impacts of Lead: The rule acknowledges and seeks to address the disproportionate impacts of lead on low-income and minority communities.
Simplification of Rules: The rule aims to simplify the existing lead and copper rule to improve implementation and enforceability.
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