Recently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a proposal to strengthen its Lead and Copper Rule that would require water systems across the country to replace lead service lines within 10 years. EPA is also proposing additional improvements to protect public health, such as lowering the lead action level and improving sampling protocols utilized by water systems.
The proposed action significantly advances removal of every lead service line in America through the Get the Lead Out Program, including investing $15 billion through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to replace lead service lines, providing technical assistance to communities, and supporting the development of a national inventory of lead service lines.
The proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements’ key provisions include:
- Achieving 100% Lead Pipe Replacement within 10 years
- Locating legacy lead pipes
- Improving tap sampling
- Lowering the Lead Action Level
- Strengthening protections to reduce exposure
The proposal would also require water systems to communicate more frequently and proactively with consumers about lead service lines and the system’s plans for replacing the lines.
Once the proposed rule is published in the Federal Register, EPA will accept comments for 60 days. The agency will also hold a virtual public hearing on January 16, 2024, at which time the public will be invited to provide EPA with verbal comments.
For more information about the proposed rule, including a pre-publication version of the proposal, fact sheets, and directions for submitting comments and registering for the public hearing, visit the proposed rule webpage.
Capital Strategic Solutions assists our clients with researching grant opportunities and obtaining grant funding each year by crafting compelling applications and identifying ways to scale effective programs. We offer a full variety of grant writing, management and technical assistance services customized to the needs of our clients. Our team is skilled at overseeing the entire grant lifecycle process, from proposal to closing, including pre-award management, approval process, tracking payments, reviewing budgets, producing relevant reports and post-award contract compliance.
In addition, our team is highly skilled at developing and executing successful engagement strategies to assist public drinking water suppliers reach their customers. From social media campaigns and virtual engagement to in-person public meetings, multi-format surveys and more, Capital Strategic Solutions can develop and execute a strategic communications plan tailored for your community’s needs.
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