WWA CEO David LaFrance was present at a Biden-Harris
Administration event on Dec. 16, during which plans to
advance protections from lead in drinking water and other
sources were announced.
“Water professionals are committed to protecting their
communities today as we work for a future where lead is no
longer in contact with drinking water," LaFrance said.
“Today’s announcement from U.S. EPA recognizes that the
January 2021 Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) are an
important step forward in lead risk reduction, and utilities
are already hard at work implementing that rule in their
communities.
The required development of lead service line inventories
will help communities understand the scope of the challenge
and accelerate lead service line replacement. This is a
tremendous and necessary undertaking, and many utilities are
already advancing this goal and serve as excellent models
for others. AWWA looks forward to helping communities find
collaborative ways to overcome barriers to lead service line
replacement.
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“As EPA
prepares its new Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI),
AWWA is pleased the agency will prioritize underserved
communities in lead service line removal," he continued.
"Our own research demonstrates that historically
underserved communities often have lower confidence in
their tap water safety.
Addressing
lead issues in these communities can be an important step in
strengthening public trust in community drinking water.
Beyond EPA’s rulemaking, AWWA is pleased that the newly
announced Biden-Harris Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan seeks
to address lead exposure in a whole-of-government approach.
Increased collaboration among federal agencies can help
reduce lead risks from all potential sources.
“Tremendous progress has been made in lead risk reduction
since the first Lead and Copper Rule was introduced in 1991,
but more work remains," he added. "AWWA and the entire water
sector is grateful to U.S. Congress for its unprecedented
commitment to funding for lead service line replacement and
to the Biden-Harris Administration for its leadership on
this critical issue. We look forward to working closely with
the Administration, states, and partners to accelerate lead
service line replacement in a collaborative and efficient
manner.”
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