Smaller Share of Lead Pipes Must Be Replaced in EPA Rule (1)

The EPA is cutting the percentage of a water system’s lead pipes that need to be replaced annually under a long-awaited revision to agency’s lead and copper rule announced Tuesday.

The new rule (RIN 2040-AF15) garnered harsh criticism from environmental groups, which said it will expose more children to lead poisoning. It requires water systems to replace at least 3% of lead service lines annually—down from 7% under the old lead and copper rule, finalized in 1991.

EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said Tuesday the weaker requirements would actually triple the lead pipe replacement rate annually.

“Under the old rule, we ...