LCRR Information
On December 16, 2021, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) that include significant changes to the current Lead and Copper Rule (LCR). The LCRR aims to protect communities from lead exposure in drinking water. The LCRR goes into effect on October 16, 2024.
The LCRR is intended reduce lead in drinking water, ensure systems have plans to identify and take actions to reduce elevated levels of lead in drinking water, including:
- Community (C) and Non-Transient, Non-Community (NTNC) water systems (“Systems”) must submit to the Drinking Water Bureau an INITIAL LEAD SERVICE LINE INVENTORY (LSLI) and have the service line materials inventory PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE by October 16, 2024.
- Water systems with lead, galvanized requiring replacement, or lead status unknown service lines shall submit to the Drinking Water Bureau a LEAD SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT PLAN to the department by October 16, 2024.
- In addition to the system-wide 90th percentile action level of 15 parts per billion (ppb), the LCRR also establishes a 90th percentile system-wide trigger level of 10 ppb of lead to assist systems to plan to further address lead in drinking water.
- All Community (C) water systems shall compile and submit to the Drinking Water Bureau a LIST OF SCHOOLS AND CHILD CARE FACILITIES, that were constructed prior to January 1, 2014, served by the system by October 16, 2024. Systems shall conduct directed public education and lead monitoring at the listed schools after October 16, 2024.
EPA directed states and systems to prioritize the removal of lead lines or lines requiring replacement. The initial service line inventories, lead replacement plans, as well as Community systems sampling plan and list of schools and childcare facilities served by the system; shall be submitted to the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) Drinking Water Bureau (DWB) no later than October 16, 2024.
Roles of EPA and NMED relating to LCRR
While the Federal Government finalized the LCRR requirements on December 16, 2021, New Mexico has not applied for primacy of this rule. New Mexico has requested an extension to primacy, which means that enforcement of these requirements currently rests solely with the EPA.
NMED will officially apply for primacy of the LCRR and the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) in calendar year 2025. When EPA grants primacy to New Mexico, NMED will be the primary regulatory authority on these requirements for the relevant public water systems in New Mexico at that time.
Until primacy has officially been granted to New Mexico, EPA and NMED will work together to both educate and take necessary actions to safeguard New Mexico’s communities from the risk of lead exposure in public water systems. Reporting by public water systems of lead service line inventories and other required activities will be made to NMED, and NMED will then work with EPA on any necessary enforcement actions.
For more information regarding LCRR please see the following information:
| Lead Service Line Inventories Overview of recommendations and requirements for the development of lead service line inventories. | Lead Service Line Material Type Definitions Details on defining the different types of service lines in a distribution for a system inventory. |
| Lead Service Line Inventory Template Documents Templates and information for creating and submitting the service line inventory for Community systems. | Lead Service Line Replacement Planning Systems with service lines that need to be replaced under LCRR need to meet these requirements in submitting their plan with the initial inventory. |
| Lead Public Education Information and Communication Materials Information and templates for complying with lead public education requirements. | Corrosion Control Treatment Information Information for systems that are required to install corrosion control treatment due to a lead action level exceedance. |
| Lead Service Line Inventory and Replacement Plan Submittals Information for creating and submitting the service line inventories. | Lead and Copper Sampling Plans The Lead and Copper Rule requires public water systems to collect samples from a pool of Tiered sampling sites based on the service line inventory. |
| Monitoring for Lead and Copper Information and public letter templates for complying with the LCRR sampling methods, consumer notice and certification requirements. (COMING SOON) | Monitoring for lead in schools and child care facilities. Information for systems that are required to monitor for schools and child care facilities. |
 | To request assistance with the following, please click the image on the left: Help understanding what the Lead Service Line Inventory requirements are and what I have to do I’ve started the Lead Service Line Inventory, but need help finishing it I have most of the Lead Service Line Inventory completed, I just need a little more help I have some Lead Service Lines or I have pipes of unknown materials that may need to be replaced and need help developing a replacement plan Help with potholing or other assessment of Lead Service Lines |
LCRR Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below are a list of frequently asked questions regarding the LCRR. If you have additional questions regarding the LCRR please submit your questions via this convenient online form.
Is there funding for developing Lead Service Inventories and for eventual Lead Service Line Replacements?
Yes. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has made funding available for lead service line inventory work and lead service line replacement work. New Mexico expects to receive $28 million dollars per year through 2025. This funding is specifically intended for work related to lead and copper compliance. You can begin the funding process by submitting this pre-application form or contact the DWB at NMENV-DWBPlanReview@state.nm.us if you have any questions about the funding process. Other funding information can be found on the NMED Water Infrastructure Projects and Funding Page.
What is the compliance date for the LCRR?
The initial compliance date for the revised rule is October 16, 2024. For the current rule requirements please refer to the Code of Federal Regulations.
How should my water system prepare for compliance with the federal rule?
Public water systems in New Mexico should begin the process of developing an initial service line inventory that shall be submitted to NMED DWB no later than October 16, 2024.
Community water systems should also take inventory of all schools and licensed daycare facilities constructed prior to January 1, 2014, serviced by the water system. The New Mexico Public Education Department publishes a list of New Mexico schools on their website. That list can be located here: List of Public and Charter Schools in New Mexico (Microsoft Excel List)
Additionally, a list of licensed childcare facilities is provided by the New Mexico Early Childhood and Care Department. That list can be located here: List of Licensed Childcare Facilities in New Mexico.
Community water systems should also begin communicating and coordinating with schools and licensed daycare facilities to ensure that they are properly sampled when the new rule takes effect.
Who is required to collect the lead sample at Schools and Licensed Daycare Facilities?
The water system, school or childcare facility, or other appropriately trained individual may collect samples. If you require a Utility Operator certifications please visit the NMED Utility Operator Certification Program webpage.