EPA issues utility guidance for LCRR compliance

Last week the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a “Guidance for Developing and Maintaining a Service Line Inventory” to help water utilities as they work to comply with recent Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR). The document includes recommendations for public water systems to assist in identifying and tracking lead service lines (LSL). Under LCRR, water utilities are required to develop an LSL inventory by October 16, 2024. According to EPA, the guidance:

• Provides best practices for inventory development and risk communications.
• Contains case studies on developing, reviewing, and communicating about inventories.
• Includes a template for water systems, states, and Tribes to use or adapt to create their own inventory.
• Highlights the importance of prioritizing inventory development in disadvantaged communities and where children live and play.

This guidance will also facilitate investment of $15 billion in funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) that is dedicated to lead service line replacement. BIL funding can be used for lead service line replacement projects and associated activities directly connected to the identification, planning, design, and replacement of lead service lines, including development of service line inventories themselves.