In October 2024, the US EPA finalized the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), published in the Federal Register on October 30. The rule requires water systems to replace lead service lines, and galvanized lines that need replacing, within ten years.

Key points

  • The compliance date is November 1, 2027. The ten-year replacement clock starts then, not in 2024.
  • The lead action level drops from 0.015 mg/L to 0.010 mg/L.
  • Some systems with a high number of lead lines may qualify for a longer replacement schedule.

Funding

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act set aside $15 billion through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund specifically for lead service line replacement. That gives many utilities a starting point for funding, though for some the total cost will be higher.

What it means for utilities

Replacing service lines is mostly a distribution job. But the rule also puts a spotlight on corrosion control treatment, which often means chemical feed systems, process piping, controls and electrical upgrades at treatment plants and pumping facilities. Those upgrades take time to design and build, so planning ahead of 2027 makes sense.