EPA would be required to revise the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) to reduce its action level for lead in drinking water to 10 parts per billion (ppb) by the end of 2020 and to 5 ppb by the end of 2026 under legislation introduced last week by Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Mich.). As written, it appears that the proposed changes would apply to the LCR's current 90th percentile action level. No other portions or requirements of the LCR would change under the proposed legislation.
The “Protecting Families from Lead Act” (H.R. 5110) is the latest piece of legislation in reaction to the ongoing water crisis in Flint, Michigan. Rep. Kildee, who represents the city of Flint in the House of Representatives, said in a statement that the proposal “would bring America’s drinking water standards in line with the rest of the developed world.” Kildee’s statement cited the World Health Organization’s guideline of 10 ppb for lead in drinking water, Michigan’s plans to lower the state’s lead action level to the same amount, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s lead standard of 5 ppb for bottled water.
In February, the House of Representatives approved H.R. 4470, legislation sponsored by Rep. Kildee to strengthen public notice requirements following the detection of elevated lead levels in drinking water. Republican House leaders have not yet reacted publicly to Rep. Kildee’s latest proposal.