EPA Progress on Lead-Free Rule and LCRR

On Wednesday (7/29), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a final rule to reduce lead in plumbing materials used in public water systems, homes, schools and other facilities that requires manufacturers to get plumbing products certified “lead free” by an accredited third party. The Lead-Free final rule reduces the percentage of lead content allowed in plumbing materials used in new construction and replacement of existing plumbing from eight percent to 0.25 percent in accordance with the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act. The Lead-Free final rule will become effective 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.

EPA also announced that it has sent the final Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) to the Office of Management and Budget for interagency review, a significant step towards finalizing the rule.