CDA Comments On National Primary Drinking Water Regulations For Lead And Copper: Improvements

The Copper Development Association (CDA), a U.S.-based, not-for-profit association of the global copper industry, has submitted comments on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Primary Drinking Water Regulations for Lead and Copper Improvements (LCRI).

In its comments, CDA expressed its support for the proposal and shared the goal of eliminating harmful lead service lines (LSL) and galvanized requiring replacement (GRR) service lines across the country. The association highlights the longstanding use of copper and copper alloy products in water-delivery applications and emphasizes the importance of these materials in federally funded water infrastructure projects.

Copper is recognized as the preferred alternate material for domestic water service and distribution due to its safety, reliability, and sustainability. Major cities such as Flint, MI, Denver, and Chicago have committed to using copper service lines as a long-term solution for their communities.

CDA’s comments focus on replacing lead and galvanized service lines, advocating for using copper tube water service lines manufactured to the ASTM B88 standard. The association emphasizes the recyclability and impermeability of copper, highlighting its resilience against corrosion and is impermeable protecting communities from harmful chemicals.

The association also makes specific recommendations for federal funding, noting the substantial investment required to replace lead and galvanized service lines fully. CDA underscores the importance of securing additional funding to support lower-income and underserved communities in the replacement process.

Furthermore, CDA urges the full replacement of lead and galvanized service lines as the most effective approach for ensuring long-term access to clean water in homes and communities. The association supports EPA’s stance against lining or coating technologies as a solution to lead exposure and encourages the temporary use of filters until full replacement can be implemented.

CDA commended the EPA for its efforts in addressing lead issues in drinking water and expressed its commitment to being a continued resource in implementing the Lead and Copper Rule Improvement. Read the comments.

About CDA
Copper Development Association Inc. (CDA) is a U.S.-based, not-for-profit association of the global copper industry, bringing together the North American copper and copper alloy semis fabricators and global copper mining and production industries. CDA is committed to promoting the proper use of copper materials in sustainable, efficient applications for business, industry and the home.

For more information, visit Copper.org.