The Kleinfelder Blog

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently shared proposed improvements to the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations for Lead and Copper (LCRI). This critical update aims to enhance public health protection by addressing lead and copper levels in drinking water systems. The proposed changes, outlined in the federal register on December 6, 2023, bring about several significant alterations and deadlines that water suppliers need to be aware of for compliance.

Key highlights of the EPA’s proposed regulatory updates include:

• Timeline: The proposed rule’s public hearing is scheduled for January 16, 2024 (you may register through this link for the EPA’s LCR Hearing), with a 61-day comment period closing on February 5, 2024. Anticipated finalization of the rule is prior to October 16, 2024.
• Eligibility Threshold: Reducing the eligibility threshold for community water systems to those serving 3,300 people or fewer (vs. 10,000 people or fewer under the 2021 LCRR).
• Lead Service Line Plans: Mandating water systems to identify materials for unknown service lines and create lead service line replacement plans.
• Lead Service Replacement: 100% lead service line replacement within ten years for most public water supply systems.
• Customer Consent: Establishing guidelines for obtaining customer consent for full replacement, with defined thresholds and engagement attempts.
• Sampling Requirements: Requiring adjustments to drinking water sampling processes, including lowering the lead action level from 15 ppb to 10 ppb.
• Public Awareness: Emphasizing steps for informing and educating the public to reduce lead exposure, revising Consumer Confidence Report language for clarity, and prompt notifications for lead level exceedances.

Kleinfelder’s Expertise in Compliance Support

Kleinfelder is ready to support water clients in navigating these regulatory changes and ensuring compliance once they are finalized. Leveraging expertise in engineering, geospatial technologies, and environmental science, Kleinfelder offers comprehensive assistance in several critical areas:

Lead Service Line Identification and Mapping

• Surveys and Inspections: Efficiently identifying and mapping lead service lines utilizing experienced field staff as well as cutting-edge tools like Optical Character Recognition (OCR) powered by AI, data engineering, statistical modeling, and machine learning.
• Risk Assessment: Assisting in developing prioritization plans for pipeline replacement, focusing on critical areas.

Engineering Design and Construction Services

• Replacement Plan Development: Designing efficient lead service line replacement plans and assisting in permitting processes.
• Construction Oversight: Managing construction processes to ensure efficient, safe and compliant replacements with minimal service disruption.

Corrosion Control and Treatment Optimization

• Water Quality Analysis: Analyzing water quality data to predict and minimize lead leaching.
• Treatment System Evaluation and Optimization: Recommending improvements or designing new systems compliant with updated regulations.

Community Engagement and Education

• Public Outreach: Helping clients effectively communicate regulations and replacement plans and addressing community concerns.