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Lead and Copper Rule

Lead and Copper Rule

Lead and Copper Rule

The purpose of the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) is to protect public health by minimizing lead and copper levels in drinking water. Lead and copper enter drinking water mainly from corrosion of lead and copper containing plumbing materials. The rule establishes action levels (AL) for lead and copper based on a 90th percentile level of tap water samples. An action level exceedance is not a violation but triggers other requirements to minimize exposure to lead and copper in drinking water, including water quality parameter monitoring, corrosion control treatment, source water monitoring/treatment, public education, and lead service line replacement. All community water supplies and nontransient noncommunity water supplies are subject to the LCR requirements.

Learn About Lead in Drinking Water

Public Information About Community Water Supplies

several white and blue sampling bottles
depiction of homes with service lines and water main
street signs of Front St and Ridge St intersecting
person filling up sampling bottle with faucet

Emergency Service Line Repair Sampling Instructions

Water supplies may use the following instructions to collect samples after an emergency repair on a service line that contains lead or galvanized iron pipe that was previously connected to lead.

What to do after an emergency repair on a service line with lead or GPCL materials
EGLE staff member reviewing forms
several water quality parameter sample bottles

Distribution System Materials Inventory (DSMI)

Michigan water supplies must maintain an inventory of service line materials in their distribution systems. By January 1, 2020, public water supplies were required to submit a Preliminary DSMI. Water supplies must develop and maintain a Complete DSMI (CDSMI) and submit it to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) by October 16, 2024.

Interim DSMI Steps. Preliminary DSMI Completely January 1, 2020. Minimum Service Line Verification. Guidance for the Complete DSMI. Complete DSMI Due January 1, 2025.

depiction of plastic, lead, copper lines on the street
construction worker for service line replacement
depiction of plastic, lead, copper lines on the street
orange construction sign that says "UTILITY WORK AHEAD"
two construction workers working on service line replacement
construction for emergency service line repair

Mi Lead Safe

Visit Mi Lead Safe for information on exposure to lead in drinking water, the latest drinking water test results, and more.

Lead and Copper in Drinking Water

Visit EGLE's Lead and Copper in Drinking Water for other reference materials for water supplies and the public.

EPA Lead and Copper Rule

Visit the EPA for more information on the EPA Lead and Copper Rule, including the final rules and the Quick Reference Guide.

University of Michigan

View the University of Michigan's "What Changed with Michigan's 2018 Lead and Copper Rule".