With the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions in Effect, What’s on the Horizon for Lead Service Line Replacement?

Lead is back under the microscope in the U.S. water sector. Since the water crisis in Flint, Michigan that began in 2014, it’s been a hot button issue for drinking water utilities. Flint’s water was tainted with lead for at least 18 months. While under the control of state-appointed financial managers, the city tapped the Flint River as its water source while a new pipeline was being built to Lake Huron. But the river water wasn’t treated to reduce corrosion, and as a result, lead leached from old pipes and fixtures and contaminated the water distribution system with unsafe levels.