The EPA is considering the best way to update its Lead and Copper Rule, or LCR. The primary way that lead and copper enter drinking water is through leaching out of old lead and copper pipes. The EPA takes measures to prevent that, primarily, by requiring water treatment systems to control the corrosiveness of water. However, the rule is structured in a way that allows providers to determine how best to do that.

In a white paper released last month the EPA wrote “the LCR is one of the most complicated drinking water regulations for states and drinking water utilities to implement.”

In 2017 the EPA will propose amendments to the rule.