Lead and Copper Rule Implementation Tools
Below are resources to help states and water utilities implement the Lead and Copper Rule.
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On This Page
- Lead and Copper Rule Revisions FAQs
- LCRR Implementation Fact Sheet
- Notification of Known or Potential Service Line Containing Lead
- Tier 1 Public Notification
- Service Line Inventory Development
- Water Quality and Tap Monitoring
- Providing Public Education
- Corrosion Control Treatment
- Lead Service Line Replacement
- State Implementation Guidance
- Lead ALE Tier 1 SOP Template for States
- Small Systems
- Simultaneous Compliance
Leaders in Reducing Lead in Drinking Water
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LCRR Frequently Asked Questions
LCRR FAQs for Water Systems
These Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) address the provisions of the 2021 Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) that EPA has proposed to retain starting on the October 16, 2024 compliance date. These requirements include the initial service line inventory , notifications to persons served of known or potential lead service line, Tier 1 public notification of a lead action level exceedance, and associated reporting requirements.
LCRR Implementation Fact Sheet
2021 LCRR Implementation Fact Sheet
EPA's 2021 LCRR Implementation Fact Sheet describes the 2021 Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) requirements that public water systems must comply with starting on October 16, 2024 as outlined in the Lead and Copper Improvement (LCRI) proposal. These requirements include the initial service line inventory, notification to persons served of known or potential lead service line, Tier 1 public notification of a lead action level exceedance, and associated reporting requirements.
Notification of Known or Potential Service Line Containing Lead
Fact Sheet on Notification of a Known or Potential Service Line Containing Lead
This fact sheet summarizes the EPA's requirements for notification to persons served of known or potential service lines containing lead required under the 2021 Lead and Copper Rule Revisions.
Templates for the Notification of Known or Potential Service Lines Containing Lead
This document provides templates that water systems can use to develop the required notices to all persons served at the service connection with a lead, galvanized requiring replacement (GRR), or lead status unknown service lines, required under the 2021 Lead and Copper Rule Revisions.
- Notification Templates for Known or Potential LSLs (docx)
- Plantillas Para La Notificacion de Presencia o Posible Presencia de LSLs (Spanish) (docx)
Tier 1 Public Notification
Tier 1 Public Notification Template following a Lead Action Level Exceedance
The 2021 Lead and Copper Rule Revisions require water systems to issue a Tier 1 Public Notification (PN) when there is an exceedance of the lead action level no later than 24 hours after the systems learns of an exceedance. This document provides a template that water systems can use to develop a Tier 1 PN for a lead action level exceedance.
- Tier 1 Public Notification Template (pdf)
- Plantilla para Notificacion Publica de Nivel 1 (Spanish) (docx)
Lead Action Level Exceedance (ALE) Tier 1 Public Notice (PN) Fact Sheet
This fact sheet summarizes EPA’s requirements following a lead action level exceedance for timing, content, and delivery of a Tier 1 Public Notice.
Service Line Inventory Development
Lead and Copper Rule Revisions Service Line Initial Inventory Guidance
EPA's Guidance for Developing and Maintaining a Service Line Inventory supports water systems with their efforts to develop initial inventories and provides states with needed information for oversight and reporting to EPA. The guidance provides essential information to help water systems comply with the 2021 Lead and Copper Rule Revisions requirement to prepare and maintain an inventory of service line materials by October 16, 2024.
Small Entity Compliance Guide
EPA's Developing and Maintaining a Service Line Inventory: Small Entity Compliance Guide supports water systems, particularly small water systems, in complying with the 2021 Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) initial inventory requirements. EPA's Small Entity Compliance Guide explains the initial inventory relate actions small community and non-transient non-community water systems are required to take under the LCRR.
Fact Sheet for Developing a Service Line Inventory
EPA's Fact Sheet for Developing and Maintaining a Service Line Inventory can help water systems quickly identify the key 2021 LCRR initial inventory requirements, including inventory elements, planning, records review , investigations, public accessibility, and information for non-lead systems.
Water Quality and Tap Monitoring
Lead and Copper Monitoring and Reporting Guidance for Public Water Systems
This guidance provides a comprehensive discussion of the monitoring and monitoring-related reporting requirements of the LCR. It incorporates the 2000 and 2007 Revisions to the Rule.
- Revised Lead and Copper Monitoring and Reporting Guidance for Public Water Systems (PDF)(124 pp, 1.6 MB, About PDF) EPA 816-R-10-004, March 2010
Memorandum: Lead and Copper Rule - Clarification of Requirements for Collecting Samples and Calculating Compliance
This memo reiterates and clarifies elements of the LCR associated with the collection of samples. It also clarifies the calculation of lead 90th percentile for compliance.
- Memorandum: Lead and Copper Rule - Clarification of Requirements for Collecting Samples and Calculating Compliance - November 23, 2004 (PDF)(116 pp, 594 K, About PDF) EPA 816-R-02-009, February 2002
How to Determine Compliance with Optimal Water Quality Parameters as Revised by the Lead and Copper Rule Minor Revisions
This guidance describes how PWSs and states determine compliance with optimal water quality parameters. It reflects the 2000 Revisions to the rule.
- How to Determine Compliance with Optimal Water Quality Parameters as Revised by the Lead and Copper Rule Minor Revisions (PDF)(43 pp, 188 K, About PDF) EPA 815-R-99-019, February 2001
Providing Public Education
Lead and Copper Rule Public Education & Other Public Information Requirements for Community Water Systems Fact Sheet
The fact sheet summarizes the public education (PE) and other public information notification requirements the revised LCR. It provides community water systems (CWSs) with information on what they need to do after a lead action level exceedance. It includes consumer notification requirements that are not dependent on a lead action level exceedance.
- Lead and Copper Rule Public Education & Other Public Information Requirements for Community Water Systems Fact Sheet (PDF)(5 pp, 563 K, About PDF) EPA 816-F-08-019, June 2008
Implementing the Lead Public Education Provisions of the Lead and Copper Rule: A Guide for Community Water Systems
The PE guidance details the new PE requirements for CWSs. This includes:
- Details regarding who must receive PE materials and the time frame for distribution of the PE materials.
- Suggestions on how to have a more effective PE program.
- Sample templates for water bills, brochures, posters and letters in English and Spanish for different situations in which PE is required.
- Implementing the Lead Public Education Provisions of the Lead and Copper Rule: A Guide for Community Water Systems (PDF)(114 pp, 6.1 MB, About PDF) EPA 816-R-08-007, June 2008
Lead and Copper Rule: Public Education and Consumer Notification Requirements for Non-Transient non-Community Water Systems Fact Sheet
The fact sheet summarizes all of the PE and consumer notification requirements for a non-transient non-community water systems (NTNCWS). It provides NTNCWS with concise information on what they need to do after a lead action level exceedance. It includes consumer notification requirements that are not dependent on a lead action level exceedance.
- Lead and Copper Rule: Public Education and Consumer Notification Requirements for Non-Transient non-Community Water Systems Fact Sheet (PDF)(4 pp, 262 K, About PDF) EPA 816-F-08-20, June 2008
Implementing the Lead Public Education Provisions of the Lead and Copper Rule: A Guide for Non-Transient Non-Community Water Systems
The guidance details the new PE requirements for NTNCWS, such as:
- Details regarding who must receive PE materials and the time frame for distribution of the PE materials.
- Suggestions on how to have a more effective PE program.
- Sample templates for water bills, brochures, posters and letters in English and Spanish for different situations in which PE is required.
- Implementing the Lead Public Education Provisions of the Lead and Copper Rule: A Guide for Non-Transient Non-Community Water Systems (PDF)(80 pp, 563 K, About PDF) EPA 816-R-08-008, June 2008
Public Education Posters
Corrosion Control Treatment
Optimal Corrosion Control Treatment Evaluation Technical Recommendations
This document provide technical recommendations that both systems and primacy agencies can use to comply with LCR corrosion control treatment requirements and effective evaluation and designation of optimal corrosion control treatment.
Final Revised Guidance Manual for Selecting Lead and Copper Control Strategies
This manual is intended for PWSs and states. It assists with selecting treatment strategies for controlling lead and copper in drinking water.
- Final Revised Guidance Manual for Selecting Lead and Copper Control Strategies (PDF)(52 pp, 629 K, About PDF) EPA 816-R-03-001, March 2003
Appendix A supplements the Final Revised Guidance Manual for Selecting Lead and Copper Control Strategies
- Appendix A: Questionnaire to Collect Data to Update the Guidance Manual for Selecting Lead and Copper Control Strategies
LCRR Frequently Asked Questions
LCRR FAQs for Water Systems
These Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) address the provisions of the 2021 Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) that EPA has proposed to retain starting on the October 16, 2024 compliance date. These requirements include the initial service line inventory , notifications to persons served of known or potential lead service line, Tier 1 public notification of a lead action level exceedance, and associated reporting requirements.
- LCRR Frequently Asked Questions (pdf) (4pp, 225K),Lead Service Line Replacement
Resources for Lead Service Line Replacement
This page includes potential funding options, case studies, best practices and other lead service line replacement resources.
Notification and Reporting Requirements for Partial Lead and Service Line Replacement under the Lead and Copper Rule
This guidance provides a discussion of the LCR requirements related to lead service line replacement. It reflects the 2000 Revisions to the Rule.
- Notification and Reporting Requirements for Partial Lead and Service Line Replacement under the Lead and Copper Rule (PDF)(26 pp, 1.4 MB, About PDF) EPA 815-R-99-022, April 2000
Leaders in Lead Service Line Replacement Map
This interactive website allows you to explore communities across the country and learn about their programs to replace lead in drinking water systems.
State Implementation Guidance
State Implementation Guidance for Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) Retained Elements
This document provides a "how to" approach for EPA Regions and States implementing the retained elements of the final regulation. This guidance manual contains an explanation of the rule requirements. It also contains guidance on violation determination and data reporting.
Tier 1 Public Notice for Lead Action Level Exceedances Template SOP for State Implementation Programs
The Tier 1 SOP Template for States provides guidance and support for states in developing their SOPs for the Tier 1 public notification process for a lead action level exceedance. Additionally, it provides guidance in the event that the water systems and states fail to provide 24-hour notice of a lead action level exceedance.
Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) 2007 Short-Term Regulatory Revisions and Clarifications State Implementation Guidance
This document provides a "how to" approach for EPA Regions, tribes, and states that will implement the final regulation. It contains an explanation of the rule requirements. It also contains guidance for preparing state primacy revision applications. The implementation guidance also covers monitoring requirements, violation determination, and data reporting.
- Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) 2007 Short-Term Regulatory Revisions and Clarifications State Implementation Guidance (PDF)(80 pp, 4.6 MB, About PDF) EPA 816-R-08-009
- LCR 2007 Short-Term Regulatory Revisions and Clarifications State Implementation Guidance Appendices
- A: Primacy Revision Crosswalk
- B: 2007 Short-Term Revisions Compared to the Lead and Copper Rule
- C: Lead and Copper Rule Fact Sheet and Revised Quick Reference Guide
- D: Lead Consumer Notice System Certification Form
- E: Data Entry Instructions with Examples
State Implementation Guidance for the Lead and Copper Rule Minor Revisions
The purpose of this guidance manual is to provide assistance to EPA, states, and public water systems (PWSs) for the implementation of the LCR Minor Revisions. The guidance contains information on:
- Rule requirements
- Violation determinations,
- State Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) reporting,
- Significant noncompliers definitions,
- State primacy revision application for the LCR Minor Revisions, and
- Other resources and guidance.
- State Implementation Guidance for the Lead and Copper Rule Minor Revisions (PDF)(128 pp, 261K, About PDF) EPA 816-R-01-021, October 2001
- State Implementation Guidance for the Lead and Copper Rule Minor Revisions Appendices
- A: The Lead and Copper Rule Revisions compared to the 1991 Rule (PDF) (56 pp, 377K)
- B: LCRMR Reporting Guidance (PDF) (140 pp, 629K)
- C: SDWIS Reporting and Enforcement Flow Charts (PDF) (113 pp, 301K)
- D: Implementation Agreement, E: Sample Memorandum of Agreement, and F: Audit Principles (PDF)(22 pp, 630K)
Small Systems
Monitoring Waivers under the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions for Systems Serving 3,300 or Fewer People
This guidance provides information on monitoring waivers for PWSs that serve 3,300 or fewer people. These PWSs must have low lead and/or copper 90th percentile levels and meet plumbing material restrictions.
- Monitoring Waivers Under the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions for Systems Serving 3,300 or Fewer People (PDF)(32 pp, 264 K, About PDF) EPA 815-R-99-021, April 2000
Simultaneous Compliance
Microbial and Disinfection Byproduct Rules Simultaneous Compliance Manual
PWSs also have to comply with microbial and disinfection byproduct rules. Chapter Four of this manual focuses on potential LCR issues that can arise when complying with all rules.
- Microbial and Disinfection Byproduct Rules Simultaneous Compliance Manual (PDF)(148 pp, 413 K, About PDF) EPA 815-R-99-015, August 1999
Simultaneous Compliance Guidance Manual for Stage 2 Rules
This manual discusses the issues that PWSs face as they implement changes to comply with:
- The Stage 2 DBPR, and
- The LT2ESWTR,
while still being required to comply with earlier rules such as:
- The Total Coliform Rule/Revised Total Coliform Rule
- The Lead and Copper Rule.
Some of the changes may have compliance or operational consequences if not properly designed, implemented, and monitored.
- Simultaneous Compliance Guidance Manual for the LT2 and Stage 2 Rules (PDF)(462 pp, 3.4 MB, About PDF) EPA 815-R-07-017, March 2007)