Starting October 16, 2024, water systems are required to provide residents with specific information about their service lines to comply with the LCR.
Rose Hanson, strategic communications expert, outlines what you need to know for content, delivery, and timing of notifications.
1. What is required?
Sending out notifications using the EPA or state (if applicable) template to consumers of water at properties with lead, galvanized requiring replacement, and unknown service lines. Typically there are three different templates–one for each scenario.
After October 16, 2024, utilities will need to send a similar notification at the time of service initiation, for example when a water account is opened by a new homeowner, for any properties with lead, galvanized requiring replacement or unknown service lines.
2. Who receives the letters?
The EPA requires the letter to be sent to the persons served by the service line, which would be the residents. However, some states require a copy to also be sent to off-site property owners. Check state guidance before creating mailing lists for the notifications.
3. When is it due?
Notifications must be postmarked by November 15, 2024. We recommend sending within a few days of submitting the inventory, as the election means it’s a heavy mail season, which could cause delays.
4. What resources are out there to help?
EPA template and resources are here.
Check your state regulatory agency/department of health for state-specific templates.
5. How much can you modify the state or federal template?
You can customize the “fill in the blank” areas of each template. You can also add information such as a link to a survey for customers to self-identify and report pipe materials and/or information about any lead service line replacement program. If you are planning to make edits to the language that is not intended to be customized, including deleting content, you will need to send to the state for review and approval before finalizing.
