Lead and Copper Rule Improvements
Rule Summary
On October 8th, the EPA issued a final rule requiring drinking water systems across the country to identify and replace lead pipes within 10 years. The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) also require more rigorous testing of drinking water and a lower threshold requiring communities to take action to protect people from lead exposure in water. In addition, the final rule improves communication within communities so that families are better informed about the risk of lead in drinking water, the location of lead pipes, and plans for replacing them.
- Final Lead and Copper Rule Improvements. Fact Sheet: General Information (pdf)
- Final Lead and Copper Rule Improvements. Fact Sheet: General Information One-Pager (pdf)
- Federal Register Notice: National Primary Drinking Water Regulations for Lead and Copper: Improvement (LCRI) - Final Rule
- Press Release
- Additional Information: Technical Fact Sheets and Other Supporting Materials
- Infographic: EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (pdf)
The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements establish achievable, common-sense practices which have been implemented by several states and cities. The public health and economic benefits of the final rule are estimated to be up to 13 times greater than the costs, and together with new funding, water systems will be able to accelerate removal of lead pipes and create good-paying local jobs in the process.
Questions and Answers
For questions about the LCRI and minimizing lead exposure please consult LCRI Questions and Answers.
Webinars
EPA conducted an informational webinar for the general public on October 24, 2024 to provide information about the agency’s final Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI).
- Presentation: Final Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, October 24, 2024 (pdf)
- Mejoras Finales a la Norma de Plomo y Cobre, 24 de octubre de 2024 (pdf)
- Video: Final Lead and Copper Rule Improvements General Informational Webinar
EPA conducted a similar informational webinar for drinking water utilities and professionals on November 14, 2024.
- Presentation: Final Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, November 14, 2024 (pdf)
- Mejoras Finales a la Norma de Plomo y Cobre, 14 de noviembre de 2024 (pdf)
- Video: Drinking Water Community Webinar on EPA’s Final Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI)
Background
Lead in drinking water irreparably harms the health of children and adults and disproportionately impacts lower-income communities and communities of color. Legacy lead pipes, which have delivered drinking water to homes for decades, have exposed generations of Americans to toxic lead and will continue to do so until they are removed.
There is no safe level of lead exposure. In drinking water, the primary source of lead is from pipes, which can present a risk to the health of children and adults. EPA is committed to using every tool available to protect all Americans from lead in drinking water. EPA proposed then finalized the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) to strengthen the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR). First promulgated in 1991, the LCR regulates lead and copper in public drinking water systems.