LCRI mandates replacement of lead service lines by 2037. We, at Trinnex, partner with utilities to streamline their digital transformation and support lead service line replacements while ensuring compliance with LCRI regulations.
To address the issue of health risks posed by lead service lines (LSLs), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), which mandates replacements of LSLs and galvanized service lines. Let’s look at how the LCRI aims to protect public health with timely LSL replacements, the challenges involved, and the road ahead.
LCRI and You
With an aim to reduce lead exposure through drinking water, here’s how LCRI works:
- Mandatory and full LSL replacement: The LCRI requires water systems to replace all lead service lines and certain galvanized pipes by the end of 2037, or as quickly as feasible for more complex systems. It prohibits partial LSL replacements unless they are conducted as part of an emergency repair or in coordination with planned infrastructure work (e.g., water main replacements).
- Lowering lead exposure: By reducing the lead action level from 15 µg/L to 10 µg/L, the LCRI compels water systems to take faster actions to protect communities.
- Enhanced public awareness: The LCRI improves public education on lead risks, requiring proactive messaging and greater transparency.
- Comprehensive inventories: The LCRI requires water systems to update their service line inventories yearly and identify all unknown service lines, ensuring no pipe is left unchecked. Additionally, the LCRI requires connectors (often called goosenecks) to be included in the inventory.
With these measures, LCRI aims to significantly reduce lead exposure, protect vulnerable populations, and promote transparency.
Proactive LSL Replacement: Eliminating Reliance on Triggers
Previously, water systems only had to replace lead service lines when lead levels exceeded certain thresholds. This made utilities rely on triggers to take actions. One of the most notable shifts under the LCRI is the requirement for complete service line replacement.
Lead and galvanized pipes now need to be replaced, regardless of monitoring results, which ensures proactive lead reduction, eliminating lead service lines as a contamination source. This will help the most vulnerable populations, including children and pregnant women to reduce health risks more swiftly and comprehensively.
LSL Replacement Program: Challenges and Concerns
While the benefits of the LCRI are clear, implementing its requirements poses significant challenges for water systems. Let’s dive into a few.
- Identifying unknown service lines: Water utilities may lack information on customer-side and sometimes company-side pipe materials as well. Comprehensive inspections and updated inventories are critical to overcoming this obstacle. This blog on securing solutions to unknowns lead service lines provides insights into how one can take steps towards LCRI compliance driven by no unknowns.
- Funding constraints: Although the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocates $50 billion for service line replacement, the total cost could exceed to more than $90 billion, raising concerns about funding gaps and potential impacts on water bills.
- Supply chain and labor shortages: The scale and timeline of the LCRI’s replacement mandates may strain supply chains and workforce capacity.
The EPA has provided resources such as the strategies to achieve full LSL replacement, which outlines best practices for states and utilities.
We also have digital tools, such as leadCAST, which are well-positioned to help water utilities execute their LSL replacement programs by:
- Assigning work to contracts and contractors
- Tracking and visualizing LSL replacement progress
- Streamlining right-of-entry (RoE) form collection and management with a public portal
- Providing in-app LSL replacement inspection capabilities accessible on mobile devices along with inspection QA/QC functionality
Avoiding Partial LSL Replacement and Ensuring Full Protection
The LCRI explicitly discourages partial LSL replacements, as they can inadvertently increase lead levels in drinking water. Systems funded by the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) must replace entire service lines unless exceptions, such as emergency repairs, apply. This comprehensive approach ensures maximum health protection and aligns with scientific recommendations.
Funding and the Road Ahead
To support LSL replacement efforts, the EPA has allocated substantial funding through federal programs, including:
- $15 billion earmarked for lead service line inventories and replacements
- $11.7 billion in DWSRF to support broader water system improvements
However, since projected cost could top $90 billion, policymakers must address funding shortfalls to avoid disproportionate impacts on disadvantaged communities.
Exploring Suitable Alternatives to Replacement Materials
The debate over materials for replacing LSLs remains unresolved. While plastic pipes, such as PVC, are considered a durable option, concerns about potential chemical risks complicate the decision.
A Proactive Path Forward
The LCRI represents a critical shift in managing lead exposure, moving from reactive to proactive strategies. By mandating full service line replacement and prioritizing public health, this rule is set to reduce lead exposure across the nation significantly. However, its success hinges on overcoming funding, logistical, and implementation challenges.
Digital transformation can certainly ease compliance for utilities, especially in eliminating unknowns with more states accepting predictive modeling for inventory development. Tools such as leadCAST can also help utilities track their LSL replacement programs, sampling results, and communication with residents in a single system.
You can learn more about leadCAST here.
With sustained efforts and collaboration between policymakers, utilities, and communities, the journey to clean water can become a reality—ensuring safe drinking water for generations to come.
Read more around identifying unknowns, improving communications, and sampling here.
