Following a lengthy regulatory development process, this week the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is enacting enhanced regulatory standards to protect against lead and copper in drinking water. With its official adoption expected on December 16, 2021, the updated regulation – known as the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) - marks a historic shift in regulatory authority. It expands the requirements for water quality testing including drinking fixtures in schools and licensed childcare facilities.
The Rule applies to all public water providers in the United States. The updates primarily include new drinking water sampling, testing, and trigger level standards, enhanced testing schedules for elementary schools and childcare facilities, and the creation of a public inventory of the materials used in public and private water service lines. It represents a significant expansion of responsibilities for water providers in support of public health. With the adoption of the new standards, the LCRR encourages water providers to increase outreach to local school districts and childcare providers, as well as increase labor resources for sampling and testing by October 2024.
Public health is core to WaterOne’s mission. WaterOne was an engaged stakeholder in the LCRR’s development, reviewing and offering feedback throughout the regulatory comment phase. With the final language of the rule in place, WaterOne is prepared to take proactive steps to meet the new requirements in advance of the rule’s criteria for implementation.
"Our society today benefits from more than 160 years of continuous improvements in the technology, quality, and regulatory standards for drinking water,"" said WaterOne General Manager Mike Armstrong. ""As a public water provider, we serve a critical role in protecting the health of our community. We're proud of our award-winning tap water, and implementation of LCRR will continue to support our legacy of public trust, education, and communication with our customers.""
Long-range strategic planning is fundamental to WaterOne, and the district invests in its operations and technology to continue meeting and surpassing future regulatory standards. Water produced by WaterOne consistently ranks among the best nation-wide for purity, reliability, and taste. Detailed information about the make-up of WaterOne's water is provided and explained in an annual Consumer Confidence Report, which is available 24/7 at waterone.org.
