On November 30, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI).
Rule Summary
The proposed LCRI is a major advancement in protecting children and adults from the significant, and irreversible, health effects from being exposed to lead in drinking water. These advancements are based on the science and existing practices utilized by drinking water systems. Key provisions in the proposal include:
Achieving 100% Lead Pipe Replacement within 10 years
When lead service lines are present, they represent the greatest source of lead exposure in drinking water. The proposed LCRI would require the vast majority of water systems to replace lead services lines within 10 years.
Locating Legacy Lead Pipes
Knowing where lead pipes are is critical to replacing them efficiently and equitably. Water systems are currently required to provide an initial inventory of their lead service lines by October 16, 2024. Under the proposed LCRI, all water systems would be required to regularly update their inventories, create a publicly available service line replacement plan, and identify the materials of all service lines of unknown material.
Improving Tap Sampling
The proposed LCRI would make key changes to the protocol that water systems must use for tap sampling informed by best practices already being deployed at the local and state level, like in Michigan. Water systems would be required to collect first liter and fifth liter samples at sites with lead service lines and use the higher of the two values when determining compliance with the rule.
Lowering the Lead Action Level
EPA is proposing to lower the lead action level from 15 µg/L to 10 µg/L. When a water system’s lead sampling exceeds the action level, the system would be required to inform the public and take action to reduce lead exposure while concurrently working to replace all lead pipes. For example, the system would install or adjust corrosion control treatment to reduce lead that leaches into drinking water.
Strengthening Protections to Reduce Exposure
Water systems with multiple lead action level exceedances would be required to conduct additional outreach to consumers and make filters certified to reduce lead available to all consumers. The filters must be certified to reduce lead.
Protecting Your Family from Impacts of Lead Pipes in Monroe
As a drinking water agency committed to public health, Monroe Water System recognizes the risk lead can present to our customers. There is no detectable lead in the water that leaves our treatment plants; however, lead can enter drinking water through lead pipes and fixtures in plumbing.
We know that lead pipes exist on both the customer-owned and utility-owned sides of the water system. Lead was a commonly used plumbing material for years before health impacts were known and it was banned in the plumbing industry in 1986. That’s why we have been confronting this challenge for years.
Our approach includes two main efforts:
1. Corrosion control
Zinc Orthophosphate is used in our treatment process to prevent corrosion of pipes and metal surfaces. It forms a protective layer that helps prevent lead from leaching into the water supply. It is effective against corrosion in steel, iron, galvanized, lead, and copper. Zinc Orthophosphate minimizes the tendency for lead to dissolve into the water from pipes while traveling to your home or business.
2. Ongoing water testing across the system
This testing, done in compliance with state and federal regulations, is confirmation that corrosion control is working. We also test water samples from taps in homes and buildings that are at high risk of lead or copper contamination, following guidance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
What Is the Monroe Water System Doing?
The City of Monroe is actively conducting a Lead Service Line Inventory to identify all lead service lines in our water distribution system. This comprehensive inventory includes:
Mapping Existing Lines
Utilizing historical data and records to locate existing lead service lines.
Community Engagement
Involving residents in the inventory process by encouraging them to report any known lead service lines.
Testing and Replacement
Developing a plan for testing water quality and replacing lead service lines where necessary.
How Can You Participate?
Residents are encouraged to help with the inventory by:
1. Report Suspected Lines
If you believe you have a lead service line, please contact the Monroe Water Distribution Division.
2. Help Identify What's In The Ground
We ask for citizen participation in identifying what type of material your service line is made of. A licensed plumber may be able to assess your service line and provide this information. Once identified, you can provide your name, address, and service line material data to us at Monroe.water@ci.monroe.la.us.
3. Stay Informed
Follow city updates and participate in community meetings to learn more about lead service line management.
Resources for Residents
Monroe Water Department
For questions about lead service lines, water quality, and testing services.
- Phone: 318-329-2398
- Email: Monroe.water@ci.monroe.la.us
EPA Resources
Visit the EPA website for more information on lead in drinking water and its health effects.
The health and safety of Monroe residents are a top priority. By working together to identify and address lead service lines, we can ensure safe drinking water for our community. Stay informed, stay engaged, and help us create a healthier environment for all.
Initial Service Line Inventory Requirements
Key Components of the Initial Service Line Inventory:
As part of the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR), the EPA requires that all community water systems (CWSs) and non-transient non-community (NTNC) water systems develop an inventory of all service line connections, regardless of ownership. Systems must prepare and submit an inventory that includes the system-owned and customer-owned portions of all service lines in the system’s distribution system to the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) by October 16, 2024.
Each portion of the service line must be categorized in the following manner:
1. Lead
Where the system-owned or customer-owned portion of the service line is made of lead. Lead connectors (e., goosenecks or pigtails) are not considered a lead service line. However, under the proposed EPA Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), systems will be required to include connector material in future updates to their inventory. Water systems must replace lead connectors when encountered during routine activities.
2. Galvanized requiring replacement (GRR)
Where a galvanized service line is or was at any time downstream of a lead service line or is currently downstream of a “Lead Status Unknown” service line. If the water system is unable to demonstrate (through an evidence-based record, identification method, or identification technique) that the galvanized service line was never downstream of a lead service line, it must presume there was an upstream lead service line and classify it as a GRR service line.
Under the LCRR, a galvanized service line that is (or ever was) downstream of just a lead gooseneck or pigtail connector is not considered a GRR service line.
3. Non-Lead
Where the service line is determined through an evidence-based record, method, or technique not to be lead or GRR. The water system may classify the actual material of the service line (g., plastic or copper) as an alternative to classifying it as “Non-lead.”
4. Lead status unknown
Where the service line material is not known to be lead, GRR, or a non-lead service line, such as where there is no documented evidence supporting material classification. This classification is also referred to as an “unknown”.
Check the Status of Your Service Line Material
Similar to how a store takes an inventory of items in stock, our water service line inventory documents the materials used in all the water pipes in our drinking water system. Search your address in the map below to check the status of your water service lines. A pop-up will appear with the status for both the public and private side of your meter. Check out the table below for how the categories are defined.