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 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.

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


Considerations when Costing Lead Service Line Replacement

Following revisions to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Lead and Copper Rule (LCR), drinking water utilities are required to identify and make the locations of lead service lines(LSLs) publicly available. If LSLs exist in the water distribution system, utilities must prepare a plan to replace LSLs. The replacement plan must be developed by October 2024.

AWWA commissioned this report to inform EPA's development of the Lead and Copper Improvements (LCRI).  AWWA's goal was to determine a more complete cost of service line material identification and LSL replacement.  As a result of this study, costs have been compiled that can be used to update current planning level cost estimates of service line verification and LSLR programs.

Full Report




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Reducing Workers' Lead Exposure during Water Service Line Removal and Replacement

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Workers who replace lead water service lines may be exposed to lead pipes and lead-contaminants. Access the latest guidance from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

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

Corrosion Control Online Classes

With the announcements of upcoming Lead & Copper Rule Revisions, water utilities need targeted and credible resources to help craft the best lead reduction plan for their specific community, including strategies for corrosion control. This training guides participants through a decision process that experience has shown to be successful in developing corrosion control strategies.

New Courses Now Available

  1. Corrosion Control Theory and Treatment Options (EL285)
  2. Assessing Need for a Corrosion Control Evaluation (EL286)
  3. Performing a Corrosion Control Evaluation (EL287)

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.

 

Education Resources

New online corrosion control learning courses will guide you from the chemistry of corrosion through performing a corrosion control evaluation and will help participants be successful in developing corrosion control strategies.

  • Course 1: Corrosion Control theory and Treatment Options (EL285)
  • Course 2: Assessing Need for a Corrosion Control Evaluation (EL286)
  • Course 3: Performing a Corrosion Control Evaluation (EL287)

 

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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