Get Started Yesterday

In March 2020 I reviewed the proposed Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) revisions by stating that it is “critical to water community's ongoing efforts protect consumers from risk of lead in drinking water. The revised rule an important step there are several opportunities make better.” On Jan. 15, 2021, US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) published final LCR. Yes, Biden administration delayed effective date. multiple parties have filed petitions District Court Appeals for D.C. Circuit. seeking a stay litigation allow review rule. Still, none these actions change fact systems state regulators required meet compliance deadlines as published—we should get started now. standard care USEPA incorporated into virtually every action will be challenging meet. Given public health political significance lead, must do more than simply comply with letter law. Large midsize face most severe hurdles, particularly if they behind curve take additional because exceeded level or new trigger level. AWWA different estimates how many engage mandatory service line replacement revision corrosion control practice. An initial estimate 40% larger lines undertaking both activities. sector knows experience when rush programs, can end up very implementation circumstances sustain substantial loss confidence. Water often rely on states counsel times crisis. this instance, however, trying determine manage workload associated while providing oversight hundreds not thousands systems. While now three four years away, arrive, dealing deluge inventories, plans, sample exceedances, tier-1 notifications, then follow-through those exceedances. There opportunity learn successes mistakes others unless start steps necessary comply. LCR expensive Safe Drinking Act rulemaking since Surface Treatment Rule. arriving revenue shortfalls impacts COVID-19, unable their communities community leadership person. It's focus dates but we without delay. Systems lines, galvanized preceded pipe, unknown material arduous framework come January 2025. Taking appropriate your address lines—removing need removed, characterizing uncharacterized, reaching consensus services private property managed community—will pay dividends Legwork accomplished protocols, outreach materials, intra-agency planning facilitate hitting ground running pandemic restrictions ease. Steve Via director federal relations at Government Affairs Office Washington, He reached [email protected].