Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is committed to using every tool available to protect all Americans from lead in drinking water. As part of a whole of government plan to deliver clean drinking water, replace lead pipes, and reduce levels of lead and copper in drinking water, the EPA has made efforts to strengthen, the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR). First promulgated in 1991, the LCR regulates lead and copper in public drinking water systems.

On January 15, 2021 EPA published the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations: Lead and Copper Rule Revisions. These revisions will require changes to Lead and Copper sampling as well as a service line inventory for all systems subject to the Lead and Copper Rule. The regulation has gone into effect and initial inventories are due October 16, 2024. More information can be found on EPA’s website. Per EPA the implementation of LCRR will be followed by the release and later promulgation of the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI).

The agency has determined that there are advancements in the LCRR and that rule went into effect to support near term development of actions to reduce lead in drinking water. Specifically, lead service line inventories that will be developed and maintained under the LCRR are necessary to achieve 100% removal of lead service lines. EPA maintains the requirements for information to be submitted in the initial lead service line inventory by the current October 16, 2024 compliance date. Maintaining this compliance deadline ensures water systems will make continued progress to identify lead service lines, which is integral to lead reduction efforts.
https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/lead-and-copper-rule-improvements

Columbia has not found any evidence of lead service lines in its service area, and has successfully managed drinking water quality in the distribution system since 1991 to meet all State and Federal requirements regarding the presence of lead in drinking water.

Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI)

Columbia Water has not found any evidence of lead service lines in its service area, and has successfully managed drinking water quality in the distribution system since 1991 to meet all State and Federal requirements regarding the presence of lead in drinking water.

While Columbia Water has no known lead service lines in its service area, lead exposure and lead poisoning are preventable with simple actions to protect children and our communities. It is important to protect young children (under age six) from lead exposure because their growing bodies are especially vulnerable to the harmful and permanent impacts of lead.

Here are several actions you can take now to reduce exposure to lead and benefit the overall health of your loved ones and communities

  • Before drinking or cooking, flush your home’s pipes by running the tap, taking a shower, doing laundry or running the dishwasher.
    • The amount of time recommended to run the water depends on whether your home has a lead service line and the length of the lead service line. Residents should contact their water utility for recommendations about flushing times in their community.
    • Use only cold water for drinking, cooking and making baby formula. Remember: boiling water does not remove lead.
  • Use a water filter that is certified to remove lead. Read the directions to learn how to properly install and use the cartridge and when to replace it. Using the cartridge after it has expired can make it less effective at removing lead. Do not run hot water through the filter.
  • Clean your faucet’s screen (also known as an aerator) regularly. Sediment, debris and lead particles can collect in the aerator. If lead particles are caught in the aerator, lead can get into your water.
  • Contact your water utility or a licensed plumber to determine if the pipe that connects your home to the water main (also known as a service line) is made from lead. Also check the water service line inventory viewer that has been published online by your utility.
  • Contact your water utility to have your water tested and to learn more about the lead levels in your drinking water. Learn more about lead in drinking water here.
  • If your drinking water comes from a private well or cistern, check with your health department or local water utility for information on the water in your area.
  • Be aware of any construction or maintenance work that could disturb your service line. Construction may cause more lead to be released from a lead service line should you have one at your residence.

General Guidelines: Keep Homes Clean & Dust Free

Clean your home once a week using a clean, wet or damp cloth, sponge or mop to minimize dust, which may contain lead.

  • Wet mop floors and hard surfaces like porches to minimize lead dust.
  • Wipe down hard surfaces such as countertops, windowsills and door jambs with a wet cloth.
  • Inspect and maintain all painted surfaces to guard against deterioration.
  • Clean the area immediately with a wet wipe if you notice any peeling, chipping, chalking or cracking paint.
 
 
 
 
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So how do you even know if you have plumbing made out of lead?

To find out, here are some quick and easy steps you can take yourself:

  1. Look for any plumbing pipe at the meter whose color is a dull gray — (use the photos for guidance).
  2. To test if the dull gray pipes are actually made from lead, scratch the outside surface with a flathead screwdriver or a pocket knife perhaps. You can even use a penny.
  3. If the scratched area is a shiny silver color, then your pipe is lead.
  4. If the scratched area is a copper color, then you’re fine. You have a copper pipe.
  5. Don’t be fooled by a galvanized steel pipe which can also look dull gray. If you scratch a galvanized steel pipe, it will remain dull gray (not shiny and silver). You can be extra sure that it’s a galvanized steel pipe if a magnet sticks to it.