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 | Sep 26, 2016
Washington State Energy Code updates include dedicated outdoor air system requirements
The updates will change design approach to HVAC.
Codes and Standards | Sep 22, 2016
Construction firms pulling back from federal market due to new reporting rules
‘Subjective, very vague’ policies are said to create too much risk.
Codes and Standards | Sep 21, 2016
Airbnb presents legal liability for multifamily owners
How building owners can reduce risks.
Codes and Standards | Sep 21, 2016
Healthy buildings becoming a key design priority for both architects and building owners
Nationwide survey finds nearly three of four architects cite health impacts influencing design decisions
Data Centers | Sep 19, 2016
New ANSI/ASHRAE data center standard is performance-based, more flexible
The aim of the standard was to ‘not stifle innovation.’
Codes and Standards | Sep 16, 2016
Calm weather tidal flooding impacting several communities on East and Gulf Coasts
Local officials face the prospect of costly mitigation projects.
Codes and Standards | Sep 15, 2016
OSHA appoints new director for its construction directorate
The forty-year industry veteran has been a GC and business owner.
Energy | Sep 13, 2016
Oberlin College to hold conference on post-fossil fuel economy
The gathering will address climate change and new sources of energy.
Industry Research | Sep 12, 2016
Evidence linking classroom design to improved learning mounts
A study finds the impact can be as much as 25% per year.
Legislation | Sep 8, 2016
Half of U.S. states now allow design-build on public projects
Missouri is the latest to enact design-build legislation.