Review of the National Primary Drinking Water Regulation: Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR)

EPA Announces Intent to Strengthen LCR

On December 16, 2021, EPA announced next steps to strengthen the regulatory framework on lead in drinking water. Following the agency’s review of the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) under Executive Order 13990, EPA has concluded that there are significant opportunities to improve the rule to support the overarching goal of proactively removing lead service lines and more equitably protecting public health.

In a Federal Register Notice, EPA announced that the LCRR will go into effect to support near-term development of actions to reduce lead in drinking water. At the same time, EPA will develop a new proposed rulemaking to strengthen key elements of the rule. The agency anticipates finalizing the forthcoming Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) prior to October 16, 2024, the initial compliance date in the LCRR. 

• Fact Sheet. Stronger Protections from Lead in Drinking Water: Next Steps for the Lead and Copper Rule (pdf) (737.01 KB, December 2021)
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• Federal Register Notice. Review of the National Primary Drinking Water Regulation: Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) (December 17, 2021)
• Press Release. EPA Announces Intent to Strengthen Lead and Copper Regulations, Support Proactive Lead Service Line Removal Across the Country.
• Fact Sheet. The Biden-⁠Harris Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan