NewsroomWhat Kansans Need to Know About the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements

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In October 2024, the final rule regarding the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) was passed. Although some cities in Kansas have long since removed lead service lines from their communities, it’s still a problem that needs addressing. This rule now gives Kansas communities a firm deadline for getting lead and certain galvanized service lines removed. 

Keep reading to learn more about the dangers posed by lead piping, what the LCRI entails, and what Kansas can do to comply with the updated rule. 

The Problem with Lead

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there are around 9.2 million lead service lines carrying drinking water to homes and businesses in the United States. 

Why does this matter? 

Lead is a metal that’s found within our planet. Yet, increased exposure to it can be harmful to humans. 

According to the EPA: “Lead can be found in all parts of our environment – the air, the soil, the water, and even inside our homes. Much of our exposure comes from human activities including the use of fossil fuels including past use of leaded gasoline, some types of industrial facilities and past use of lead-based paint in homes. Lead and lead compounds have been used in a wide variety of products found in and around our homes, including paint, ceramics, pipes and plumbing materials, solders, gasoline, batteries, ammunition and cosmetics.”

We’re also exposed to it in water passing through lead service lines. 

Unfortunately, there’s a whole host of harmful effects associated with lead exposure. And it can be especially toxic to children and pregnant women. 

Here are just some of the ways it impacts different groups:

Children	Pregnant Women	Adults
Behavior problems	Preterm labor	Cardiovascular issues
Learning problems	Greater miscarriage risk	Increased blood pressure
Lower IQ	Smaller than average infants	Decreased kidney function
Hyperactivity	Brain, kidney, and nervous system problems (infants)	Reproductive challenges
Stunted growth
Hearing problems
Anemia

What Does the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements Do?

On October 8, 2024, the EPA issued its final rule regarding the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI). Here are the key points: 

1 – The mandate requires that all lead and GRR service lines be replaced in a 10-year window (December 2037). 

2 – What’s more, communities are being held to stricter standards when it comes to the testing of drinking water. There will also be a lower allowable threshold of lead exposure from water. 

3 – Lastly, community leaders are tasked with improving communication and transparency. Residents must be informed of the risks associated with lead consumption, notified of the location of service lines that contain lead, and what plans the community has to replace them.

How Kansas Is Dealing with the LCRI

The EPA didn’t just pass this edict and leave it up to community leaders around the U.S. to deal with it. 

When it comes to Kansas specifically, the EPA has promised $27,768,000 in funding. These funds will go towards building out lead-free drinking water infrastructure. 

Here’s an explanation of how these funds will be dispersed: 

This funding will flow through the Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (DWSRFs) and is available to support lead service line replacement and inventory projects. In Kansas, DWSRF applicants applying to the LSL category must meet disadvantaged community criteria. Successful applicants can receive up the 51% principal forgiveness that does not have to be repaid. 

EPA is also announcing the availability of $35 million in competitive grant funding for reducing lead in drinking water. Communities are invited to apply directly for grant funding through this program. 

Additional federal funding is available to support lead pipe replacement projects and EPA has developed a website identifying available funding sources.

The good news is that cities like Wichita have already begun to take action. Wichita, in particular, has replaced more than 10,000 public service lines containing lead.

That said, this doesn’t account for lead pipes found within private residences or properties. However, the City of Wichita is working to notify affected property owners to ensure that all lead piping is replaced by the deadline. 

Is Your Community Taking Steps To Remove Lead Service Lines?

With the EPA granting a significant amount of funds to the state of Kansas, now is the time to take action — and to get the financial assistance you need to do so. 

At EBH Engineering, we work hard to help communities ensure that clean drinking water can be delivered to all the homes and properties around Kansas. But none of this work will matter if the service lines delivering the treated water carry toxins. 

If your community is one that still has lead service lines, reach out and let us know. We can help you apply for funding available through the DWSRF or the federal government to ensure your community is lead-free in the coming years.