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National Review
of Implementation of the Lead and Copper Rule
Since early 2004, considerable attention has been paid to elevated levels
of lead in the drinking water for many homes in Washington, D.C. EPA has
been working with District water suppliers to identify a solution to increases
in lead that have occurred over the last few years. Information about
the D.C. situation can be found on EPA’s
Region 3 website. The concerns in D.C. have led many to question whether
it is representative of a national problem.
In response to those concerns, EPA is carrying out a nationwide review
of implementation of the Lead and Copper Rule, which was issued in 1991
and revised in 2000. EPA has testified before Congress to explain how
it is collecting and evaluating lead data, conducting workshops on elements
of the rule, reviewing implementation of the rule by state drinking water
programs, and working to better understand state and local efforts to
monitor for lead in schools and day care facilities.
All the efforts being conducted by the Agency will help it to determine
if additional guidance or training is needed for states and utilities
to help them carry out the rule or whether changes to the rule should
be considered during EPA’s review of existing
regulations.
Congressional Testimony
Data
EPA is evaluating data in its Safe Drinking Water Information System
to determine the extent of elevated lead levels at water systems throughout
the country. The Agency has prepared a summary of information received
as of June 1, 2004 and will update and release a final report during the
late summer of 2004. EPA will also evaluate and report on information
related to violations of lead and copper rule requirements and other relevant
information.
Workshops
- Simultaneous Compliance - May 11-12, St. Louis, Missouri
Participants discussed the challenges public water systems face in complying
with corrosion control optimization requirements of the lead and copper
rule at the same time they must comply with other treatment techniques
and maximum contaminant levels (MCLs). Experts identified a number of
topics for which further Agency guidance would aid water systems in
evaluating treatment changes, including: disinfection changes, changes
to coagulation processes, and corrosion inhibitors treatments. The experts
also identified concerns with distribution system maintenance and the
impacts of household plumbing on a system’s ability to comply
with the lead and copper rule.
- Sampling Protocols - May 12-13, St. Louis, Missouri
Participants discussed the challenges of the sampling requirements of
the lead and copper rule as well as the strategies they have used to
ensure compliance. Several participants suggested EPA review Lead and
Copper Rule sampling provisions, including: sampling frequency and triggers,sampling
site selection/location, sampling protocols, and sampling of water quality
parameters. Experts also identified a number of topics for which there
are information gaps and issues they believe warrant future workshops.
September 14 - 15 - Philadelphia, PA
October 26 - 27 - Atlanta, GA
Future Workshops
 December 7, 2004 - Washington, DC
Schools
Although monitoring is not required by law, EPA has developed information
to help states and local entities monitor for lead in drinking
water at schools and day care facilities. In early 2004, Acting Assistant
Administrator Benjamin Grumbles requested information from states to request
information on current state and local efforts to protect children from
exposure to lead in drinking water.
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