The Environmental Protection Agency has finalized the first major update to the agency’s Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) in nearly 30 years.
The update strengthens every aspect of the LCR and accelerates actions that reduce lead in drinking water to better protect children from lead exposure, according to an EPA news release. “For the first time in nearly 30 years, this action incorporates best practices and strengthens every aspect of the rule, including closing loopholes, accelerating the real world pace of lead service line replacement, and ensuring that lead pipes will be replaced in their entirety,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler.
“The U.S. has made tremendous progress in lowering children’s blood lead levels by phasing lead out of gasoline, banning lead paint, and implementing the old LCR,” the news release says. “However, the old rule included deficiencies that are fixed by EPA’s new Lead and Copper Rule. For example, the old rule created so many loopholes that only 1% of utilities actually replaced lead pipes as a result of an action level exceedance.”
In older homes and buildings, lead can leach from service lines, solder, and fixtures into tap water and become a significant source of lead exposure. In children, lead exposure can cause irreversible and life-long health effects, including decreasing IQ, focus, and academic achievement.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Oct 4, 2017
Ambitious but realistic increase in clean energy would cut GHG emissions by 80% in the U.S.
NRDC report says goal can be achieved with existing tools.
Codes and Standards | Oct 3, 2017
Reducing duct leakage is focus on latest green building standards updates
ASHRAE 189.1 broadens testing requirements to include more types of ducts.
Codes and Standards | Oct 2, 2017
Nationwide retrofit strategy in Canada could cut 51% of emissions from large buildings
The roadmap provides government and industry with a targeted plan.
Codes and Standards | Sep 28, 2017
Resources available for new OSHA respirable crystalline silica regulation
NRCA offers compliance tools for contractors.
Codes and Standards | Sep 28, 2017
New tool compares HVAC system efficiency
IAPMO and Hydronics Industry Alliance unveil BEST to evaluate systems in early design phase.
Codes and Standards | Sep 26, 2017
Anti-drone technology can ward off unauthorized drone flights
The technology can be used to prevent terrorist attacks and spying.
Codes and Standards | Sep 25, 2017
How-to guide to renovating shopping centers available
E.U. research project focuses on energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
Codes and Standards | Sep 21, 2017
After construction crane collapses during Irma, regulations questioned
Cranes rated for 140 mph winds didn’t hold up to 100 mph gusts.
Codes and Standards | Sep 20, 2017
Energy efficiency measures pay off in some not-so-obvious ways
Access to better financing, tax incentives, rent premiums, among the benefits to greener buildings.
Codes and Standards | Sep 19, 2017
Benchmarking regulations prompt jump in green certified properties
2016 saw a slight rise in total certified U.S. green office space.