Lead

Managing Lead in Drinking Water

lead

AWWA members protect consumers against lead in drinking water. The Association continues to prepare helpful communications, technical and public policy resources. Selected resources are available from this single hub. Here you will find insights on corrosion control and other lead management issues, the latest legislative and regulatory developments, and public outreach tools to help you speak with consumers and other key stakeholders. Both resources prepared by AWWA's members and others such as the USEPA are available.

Related Resources:

Inorganic Contaminants

Act Now to Comply with Lead and Copper Rule Revisions

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has confirmed the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions went into effect starting December 16th, 2021.

Over the next 5 years, $15 billion will be provided for lead service line replacement. Starting in 2022, the first $2.9 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding will be allocated. On top of the $15 billion dedicated solely to the lead service line replacement, the Infrastructure Law will include $11.7 billion for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, this additional funding will also be available for use in identifying,  documenting, and removing lead service lines.

By the compliance date of October 16, 2024, all water systems must submit an inventory of service lines to the state. All water systems with inventory that includes lead service lines, galvanized lines that are or ever were downstream of an LSL, or lead status unknown service lines must also provide a lead service line replacement plan.

https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2020-28691/p-1199

https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2020-28691/p-1200

To see the EPA’s News Release on the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions, visit:

https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-announces-intent-strengthen-lead-and-copper-regulations-support-proactive-lead

Experiences From North American Water Systems

Under the Lead and Copper Rule Long-Term Revisions, community water systems must establish an inventory of their lead service lines (LSLs); thus, the material used for every service line must be identified. Developing, using, and managing an LSL inventory involves multiple steps, resources, and components, and the resulting information needs to be accurate. An AWWA subcommittee involved 10 water systems to learn about their processes for LSL inventory creation, material identification, customer communication, and other aspects of their experiences. An article summarizing the interviews was published in the January 2022 Journal AWWA and the full dataset can be accessed here.


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Why is Lead Service Line Replacement Important?

Even if your community has a water system with effective corrosion control and low drinking water lead levels, LSLs, the final link in the water infrastructure network that delivers water to your home, can contribute unpredictable and variable sources of exposure. For homes with LSLs, the service line typically contributes the greatest percentage of lead to the tap. With the reduction of lead in new plumbing material, the next large opportunity for reducing the risk of exposure to lead in drinking water is the removal of LSLs.

Lead Service Line Collaborative

Communicating about Lead

Download AWWA’s new Lead Communications Guide and Toolkit, which draws insights and examples from utilities throughout the United States and Canada that are at the forefront of communicating about water quality and lead. This document includes:

  • A summary of the LCRR requirements and what they mean for your utility’s communication and outreach efforts
  • Checklists for meeting key LCRR communication and outreach requirements and assessing your readiness for implementation
  • Communication best practices, examples and guidance
  • Tips on communicating with your community about water quality

Scope of Lead Service Line Issue

In 2016, two AWWA-sponsored surveys of US community water systems (CWSs) were conducted to gather information on lead‐containing service lines (LSLs) in different regions of the United States for different sizes (population ranges) of water systems. The major objective of this research was to estimate the number of water systems with LSLs and the approximate number of LSLs nationwide and by region. 

The survey results indicated:  

  • a national estimate of 6.1 million LSLs (either full or partial) currently present in CWSs of the United States, 
  • approximately 11,200 CWSs currently have LSLs 
  • 15 to 22 million people served by CWSs are estimated to have either a full or partial LSL serving their home out of a total population served by CWSs of about 293 million (7%); and approximately 30% of the CWSs surveyed (national average) reported having some LSLs in their system.

New 4-part corrosion control eLearning program supports lead reduction planning

The first three courses in the certificate program are now available! Courses range in length and are designed to be self-paced and completed in order. Each course provides participants with access to instructors during interactive "office hour" sessions to review course content. Learn more!

Water Quality and Technology Conference

Water professionals around the world attend the Water Quality Technology Conference & Exposition, the event of the year for providing answers to improve water quality in a continually changing environment. Plan now to attend this important event featuring an unparalleled technical program, extensive networking opportunities, and the latest innovations in water quality technology and services.

 

AWWA Annual Conference and Exposition 

AWWA's Annual Conference and Exposition is where the most current industry topics, issues, and trends will be discussed. The professional program features subject matter experts covering a range of key water topics to address your challenges.

AWWA Policy Statements

AWWA's policy statements are brief statements on protecting and improving water supply, water quality, management, and the interests of the public and the environment. They are written by consensus, subject to review and comment by AWWA committees, councils, and members. Because they represent AWWA's position on these matters, they are approved by the AWWA Executive Committee of the board of directors.

Advocacy
  • Managing Lead in Drinking Water
  • Lead service lines are a large potential source of lead in drinking water. The Lead Service Line Replacement Collaborative provides an introduction to building a community-based approach to lead service replacement. Replacing lead service lines completely will require a shared effort with customers, local government leaders, and numerous other local agencies.

AWWA members are recognized globally for their industry expertise and their generosity in sharing that expertise for a better world through better water. AWWA members participate in committee activities, developing conference programs, writing technical manuals, developing standards, creating educational content and contributing to AWWA publications. Committee members primarily interact through conference calls, emails, and face to face meetings at conferences and events. More information on volunteering for an AWWA committee.

The following committees are active in addressing lead issues:

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