Lead in drinking water is a serious public health concern, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has regulations in place to protect communities from exposure. One of the most important regulations is the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR), which sets standards for water quality and requires actions to reduce contamination.
If you’re a homeowner or landlord, understanding these regulations can help you stay compliant and ensure your property’s water is safe for your family or tenants. In this guide, we’ll break down what the Lead and Copper Rule means, how it affects you, and what steps you can take to protect your plumbing system.
What Is the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule?
The Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) was first introduced by the EPA in 1991 to regulate the amount of lead and copper in drinking water. The goal is to limit lead exposure, which can have severe health effects, especially on young children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
The rule applies to municipal water suppliers and requires them to monitor lead and copper levels in drinking water. If contamination exceeds the action level (15 parts per billion for lead, 1.3 parts per million for copper), the utility must take corrective measures, such as:
• Replacing lead service lines
• Adjusting water treatment to reduce pipe corrosion
• Notifying residents of potential exposure
Since its introduction, the rule has undergone several updates, with the most recent revision in 2021 strengthening requirements for identifying lead pipes and improving public transparency.
How the Lead and Copper Rule Affects Homeowners
While the rule primarily applies to water suppliers, homeowners play a crucial role in ensuring their own plumbing is safe.
Your Home’s Pipes Could Be a Source of Lead
If your house was built before 1986, there’s a chance it may have lead service lines, lead solder, or fixtures containing lead. The LCR does not require municipalities to replace privately owned lead pipes—this responsibility falls on the homeowner.
Water Testing Is Key
Water utilities are required to test lead levels in homes, but they only sample a small number of properties. If you’re concerned about your water quality, consider getting your water tested by:
• Contacting your local water provider for a free or low-cost test
• Using an at-home lead test kit
• Sending a sample to a certified lab for detailed results
Lead Levels Above 15 ppb Require Action
If your home’s water exceeds 15 parts per billion (ppb) of lead, immediate steps should be taken:
• Use a certified lead-removing filter for drinking and cooking water
• Flush your taps before using water by running it for at least 30 seconds to 2 minutes
• Avoid using hot tap water for drinking or cooking, as heat can cause more lead to leach from pipes
• Consider replacing old plumbing with lead-free materials
Lead in Solder Used on Copper Pipes
Before 1986, lead-based solder was commonly used to join copper pipes in plumbing systems. This solder contained up to 50% lead, which can leach into drinking water, especially when water sits in the pipes for long periods.
The Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1986 banned the use of lead solder containing more than 0.2% lead in plumbing systems supplying drinking water. However, older homes and buildings may still have lead-soldered copper pipes, which pose a contamination risk.
If you suspect your plumbing has lead solder, consider these steps:
• Inspect pipe joints for dull gray solder that can be scratched easily—this may indicate lead content.
• Test your water for lead to determine if it’s leaching from your pipes.
• Replace old plumbing connections with lead-free solder, which is now made primarily from tin, copper, and silver.
A professional plumber can help assess and upgrade your plumbing system to ensure it meets modern lead-free standards and keeps your water safe.
What Landlords Need to Know About the Lead and Copper Rule
If you own rental properties, you have additional responsibilities when it comes to lead safety.
Tenant Right to Safe Drinking Water
Under EPA guidelines, tenants have a right to clean, safe drinking water. If the municipal water system detects high lead levels, landlords must notify tenants of the issue and provide alternative drinking water solutions if necessary.
Lead Pipe Replacement May Be Your Responsibility
While cities must replace public lead service lines, landlords may be responsible for lead pipes on private property. Some municipalities offer financial assistance programs for property owners to help with lead pipe replacements.
Compliance with Local Lead Laws
In addition to federal rules, some states and cities have stricter lead exposure regulations, requiring landlords to:
• Disclose lead plumbing risks to tenants
• Provide water quality reports
• Ensure water fixtures meet new lead-free standards
Checking local regulations is essential to staying compliant and avoiding penalties.
Steps to Reduce Lead and Copper in Your Home’s Water
Even if you don’t currently have high lead or copper levels, taking proactive measures can help prevent future contamination.
Replace Lead Service Lines
If your home was built before 1986, consider hiring a plumber to inspect and replace any lead pipes, solder, or fixtures. Modern alternatives like PEX, copper, or PVC pipes are much safer.
Install a Lead-Removing Water Filter
A NSF/ANSI 53-certified water filter can effectively remove lead from your drinking water. These filters come in pitcher, faucet, and whole-home systems.
Regularly Flush Your Pipes
If water has been sitting in your pipes for several hours, running the tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes can reduce lead exposure.
Keep Up with Water Testing
Regular testing ensures that your water remains safe. If you notice discoloration, a metallic taste, or sediment in your water, it’s time to get it checked.
Consult a Professional Plumber
If you’re unsure about your plumbing system’s safety, a licensed plumber can inspect for lead components and recommend the best course of action. Roto-Rooter specializes in lead pipe replacement, water testing, and fixture upgrades to keep your water safe.
Final Thoughts
The EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule plays a vital role in keeping drinking water safe, but homeowners and landlords must also take responsibility for their plumbing systems. By understanding the risks, testing regularly, and making necessary upgrades, you can ensure clean, lead-free water for your family or tenants.
If you suspect lead in your plumbing or need assistance with lead pipe replacement, water filtration, or plumbing upgrades, contact Roto-Rooter today. Our expert plumbers are here to help you make the best decisions for your home and health.
Image Disclaimer:
“This image is sourced from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is used for informational purposes only. Roto-Rooter does not claim ownership, and its use does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by the EPA. For more information, visit www.epa.gov.”