Page 14 - Sept-Oct 2024 Vol 42 No 3

LDA ENGINEERING - STATEWIDE
Tips to Help Water Systems Comply

with New EPA Water Line Rules

With looming deadlines in 2024 for U.S. (LCRI). According to the EPA website, lines to remove lead lines from water
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) LCRI “is a major advancement in networks.
compliance regarding lead and copper protecting children and adults from the “We’ve heard of large-scale
water lines, LDA Engineering experts are significant, and irreversible, health effects breakdowns in water safety, such as
offering guidance to help public water from being exposed to lead in drinking citizen exposure to lead poisoning in
systems operators comply, while educating water. These advancements are based on water in places like Flint, Michigan,”
the public about the importance of the the science and existing practices utilized Brooks said. “We want to be part of the
regulations. by drinking water systems.” solution to help water providers lower
“Having safe and reliable tap water Steps That Utilities Currently Can Take lead levels and keep communities safe.”
is something we take for granted in the In order to prepare for these It is anticipated that the LCRI
U.S., but it doesn’t happen by accident,” requirements, LDA Engineering advises replacement rules, once finalized
LDA Engineering CEO Jason Brooks said. utilities to: after public input, will go into effect
“As our team works every day to build • Start reducing unknown service lines around the same time as the LCRR line
stronger, happier communities, we are by gathering existing records and identification deadline in October 2024.
dedicated to helping water providers by tracking any current maintenance or That will start the 10-year countdown to
demystifying the lead and copper line construction activities that may reveal the replacement of lead water lines and
regulations and creating a plan to become service line materials. other activities outlined by the EPA.
compliant. Safe water benefits us all.” • Coordinate with and brief active LDA Engineering will offer client
EPA Provided Rules in 1991 contractors now on the LCRI services, including outreach, data
Since 1991, the EPA has provided rules requirements. They can help confirm collection for lead pipe identification,
to limit and monitor lead and copper materials as part of their work activities. sampling and compliance consultation,
for the more than 60,000 public water • Investigate funding opportunities to and replacement plan consultation, as well
systems across the country. In 2022, those help with the required replacement as public reporting tools and education
rules were expanded in the Lead and plan. to help public water service providers
Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR), which LCRI specifics were publicly comply with the EPA regulations.
dictates that water providers must be in discussed in January for feedback on the For 40 years, LDA Engineering has worked
compliance by Oct. 16, 2024. improvements, which provide for lead to build stronger, happier communities
The LCRR requirements include that pipes to be completely replaced within through sustainable, creative and economic
public water systems create and publicly 10 years, as well as rules for locating lead infrastructure solutions. The employee-
share information about the lead service pipes, sample testing and lowering the owned civil engineering firm supports private
lines in use and develop a plan to replace presence of lead in drinking water. companies, municipalities and contractors
them, as well as improving sampling and Large Water Systems: Future Possible across the Southeast, with offices in Knoxville,
reliability across the board, including for Chattanooga, Tri-Cities, Nashville, Memphis
schools and childcare facilities. Replacement of 40% of Lines and Charlotte. For more information about
Additionally, the EPA has proposed Estimates show that large water LDA Engineering’s community-first culture and
Lead and Copper Rule Improvements systems may have to replace 40% of services, visit LDAinc.com.

14 TPW September/October 2024