Beginning in January 2024, small community water systems serving 10,000 or fewer persons that exceed the lead trigger level, and small systems without corrosion control that exceed the action level, may elect to comply with the LCR by engaging in a full LSL replacement program.  The program must continue until no LSLs remain.  This must occur within 15 years, but the state may establish a more rapid pace.  Once initiated the system must continue to completion. 

E​PA provided alternative compliance flexibility for small systems recognizing that small systems may have more limited technical, financial, and managerial capacity to implement complex treatment techniques. Small systems may also provide point-of-use treatment devices to customers with LSLs and galvanized service lines requiring replacement rather than replacing the service line and/or improving corrosion control.  States are responsible for ensuring that an appropriate situation-specific solution is implemented. 
Opportunities to Accelerate Replacement
Small water systems can:
  • Evaluate service lines of unknown lead status so they are better prepared in consider this compliance strategy.
  • Take this opportunity to remove not only LSLs, but also look for other lead sources such as piping connected to wells serving these systems. 
Resources