Library Search

Children in Flint, Michigan, have been poisoned by lead in the city's tap water.
(Ceyhun (Jay) Isik/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
case October 15, 2024

Lead and Copper Rule: Protecting Communities from Lead in Drinking Water

The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements rule requires the proactive replacement of most lead service lines nationwide within the next 10 years, improves sampling methods to more accurately measure lead levels, and will force more water systems to take immediate action to address lead contamination.

(Peter Cade / Getty Images)
Press Release: Victory October 8, 2024

EPA Revela Histórica Norma para Eliminar el Plomo del Agua Potable

Las Mejoras en el Plomo y Cobre exigen que las líneas de servicio se reemplacen por completo en un plazo de 10 años

A child fills a drinking glass with water from the faucet. (Cavan Images)
Press Release: Victory October 8, 2024

Updated EPA Rule Requires Replacement of Almost All Lead Service Lines in 10 Years

Lead and Copper Rule improvements are a critical tool for safeguarding our drinking water

In the News: Kenosha News February 16, 2024

In race to prevent lead in our drinking water, who is being left behind?

Suzanne Novak, Attorney, Northeast Office: “If we don’t prohibit charging a customer, we may very well end up with a two-tiered system, where wealthier communities, which are disproportionately white, will have more of their lead service lines replaced than in other communities.”

document February 5, 2024

Comments on Lead and Copper Rule Improvements Rule

Earthjustice comments on the Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Copper Rule Improvements rule.

Stanley tumblers are seen for sale at a store in San Francisco, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. (Eric Risberg / AP)
Article February 1, 2024

Worry About Lead in Your Drinking Water, But Not From Stanley Cups

The trendy water bottles have raised concerns about lead poisoning. While experts say the cups are safe, here’s where lead exposure is a problem in our lives and what we can do about it.

Workers with East Bay Municipal Utility District install new water pipe on April 22, 2021, in Walnut Creek, California.
(Justin Sullivan / Getty Images)
Update January 18, 2024

We’re Fighting to Keep Lead Out of Homes, Childcare Facilities, and Drinking Water. Here’s How You Can Help.

Tell the government we need bold solutions to protect millions of people from lead.

Lead-based paint disintegrates over time and contaminates dust throughout homes or schools; lead in soil around these buildings also leads to children’s exposure. (M.R. / CC BY-ND 2.0)
From the Experts October 10, 2023

Lead poisoning prevention: Are we on the right track?

As we approach lead poisoning prevention week Oct. 22-28, developments are promising despite some stumbling blocks.

The report, "No Excuses, NYC: Replace Lead Drinking Water Pipes Now," estimates that one in five New Yorkers may be drinking water transported through lead service lines.
Press Release July 18, 2023

Report: An Estimated One in Five New Yorkers May Be Drinking Water from Lead Service Lines

Staggering borough and neighborhood lead line data show urgency to act

Press Release January 27, 2023

Earthjustice Applauds Formation of White House and EPA Lead Service Line Replacement Partnership

As many as 22 million people drink water from lead

Press Release December 9, 2022

EPA to Reconsider Stronger Rules for Lead in Drinking Water

Agency asks court to allow revisions and new rulemaking for the Lead and Copper Rule

document December 9, 2022

Opening Brief – LCR Challenge, UPAL et al

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) filed a court motion for remand to revisit and reassess the revisions it made to the Lead and Copper Rule during the Trump Administration. The Lead and Copper rule, or LCR, regulates the control and monitoring of lead in drinking water. The EPA is asking for the remand in response to a challenge brought by Earthjustice a on behalf of civil rights and environmental groups, for not protecting children’s health and the safety of the drinking water that millions of people living in the United States rely on. There were additional challenges filed by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and 9 state Attorneys General and the District of Columbia.

document December 9, 2022

State AGs LCR Challenge

Challenge to the Lead and Copper Rule submitted by Attorneys General from 9 states and the District of Columbia

document December 9, 2022

EPA's Lead and Copper Rule lawsuit remand

Court motion filed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) saying it will reassess revisions it made to the Lead and Copper Rule during the Trump administration, promising key improvements to the rule.

document August 9, 2022

Combined LCR Petition (August 2022)

Three separate legal documents:
1. Initial Opening Brief of Petitioners Newburgh Clean Water Project, NAACP, Sierra Club, United Parents Against Lead, and Natural Resources Defense Council, represented by Earthjustice.
2. Standing Addendum of Petitioners Newburgh Clean Water Project, NAACP, Sierra Club, United Parents Against Lead, and Natural Resources Defense Council, represented by Earthjustice.
3. Initial Opening Brief of State Petitioners

Press Release October 28, 2021

EPA’s draft lead strategy is a positive start but lacks concrete commitments

As children across the country are drinking and breathing lead, EPA must take concrete steps

document June 23, 2021

Lead and Copper Rule Fact Sheet 2021

The Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) is a complex set of regulations established in 1991 under the Safe Drinking Water Act. While intended to protect the public from lead in drinking water, the LCR focuses only on detecting and preventing severe contamination across a community. It is not a health-based regulation and does not address high lead levels in individual homes. The LCR is outdated and flawed.

Press Release June 17, 2021

Impacted Communities’ Input is Critical to Address Nation’s Lead Problem

Earthjustice commends EPA for actions to strengthen Lead and Copper Rule