Similarly, noted in their LCRI press release that they are concerned consumers will shoulder replacement costs through higher bills. The EPA estimates that lead pipe removals will benefit communities at a rate of up to 13 times greater than the annual cost.
Meanwhile, another difficulty arises with school-aged children, who are especially vulnerable to the health impacts of lead, as no actions are required by the rule to mitigate exposure to lead in drinking water for schools and childcare centers. Water systems must reach out to these facilities if testing is available to them, but they have 5 years to complete 100% outreach, approximately 20% per year. No requirements exist to share sampling results with parents or teachers, either. A recent article by Environment North Carolina also points out that interior plumbing and fixtures, like drinking water fountains, play an outsized role in lead contamination. Currently, there is a total lack of federal regulations addressing these additional, perhaps larger, lead contamination sources.
Where We Stand
Despite its flaws, the LCRI is a strong step forward to protecting everyone’s health and wellbeing. In response to the final rule, River Network’s Drinking Water team made the following statement: “For decades, communities across the country have grappled with the legacy of lead pipes and the public health impacts they impose. We know that there’s no safe level of lead, and the improvements to the Lead and Copper Rule will move us towards a future where drinking water is safe for all. By ensuring most utilities replace their lead service lines within ten years, we have a more concrete timeline to improve drinking water quality. In the interim, vulnerable populations, such as children, still need additional protections to ensure their safety.”
As we move into the next presidential administration, along with a new congressional makeup, more changes to the current administration’s LCRI may occur before its full implementation may begin. However, River Network is committed to long-term advocacy, and to you. We believe in clean, safe, and affordable drinking water for all, along with supporting our network of members in their own efforts to promote water equity.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Lead and Copper Rule, the Safe Drinking Water Act, or simply how to voice your own drinking water needs, please check out our Drinking Water Guide, which now includes a self-paced training and shareable fact
