Lead and Copper Rule

Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) is a United States federal regulation that limits the concentration of lead and copper allowed in public drinking water at the consumer's tap, as well as limiting the permissible amount of pipe corrosion occurring due to the water itself. The rule is part of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and is enforced by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The LCR was first enacted in 1991 and has undergone various amendments to better protect public health.

Background[edit | edit source]

Lead and copper are both common metals that can be found in plumbing materials and water service lines. While both elements have various industrial and electrical applications, they can be toxic to humans and animals when ingested. Lead is particularly harmful to children, causing developmental delays and neurological problems. Copper, while necessary for human health in small amounts, can cause gastrointestinal distress and liver or kidney damage when consumed in large quantities.

Regulatory Limits[edit | edit source]

The Lead and Copper Rule establishes action levels (AL) for lead and copper in drinking water. The action level for lead is set at 0.015 milligrams per liter (mg/L) and for copper at 1.3 mg/L. Water systems are required to take steps to reduce the concentration of these metals if more than 10% of tap water samples exceed these levels.

Compliance[edit | edit source]

To comply with the LCR, water systems must conduct regular monitoring of lead and copper levels at customer taps. If levels exceed the action limits, the system must undertake additional actions, including:

Corrosion control treatment (CCT) to reduce the leaching of lead and copper into the water.
Public education campaigns to inform consumers about the risks of lead and copper exposure and steps they can take to reduce their exposure.
Lead service line replacement programs to remove lead-containing pipes from the water distribution system.

Amendments and Updates[edit | edit source]

The LCR has been amended several times since its initial enactment. Notable amendments include the Lead and Copper Rule Minor Revisions (LCRMR) in 2000, which clarified sampling and monitoring requirements, and the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) proposed in 2019, aiming to strengthen lead and copper testing protocols, improve risk communication, and accelerate lead service line replacements.

Controversies and Challenges[edit | edit source]

The effectiveness of the Lead and Copper Rule has been a subject of debate. Critics argue that the rule's reliance on action levels rather than maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) allows for a significant amount of lead and copper exposure before action is required. Incidents like the Flint Water Crisis have highlighted the potential for systemic failures and the need for stronger regulations and oversight.