There is no safe level of lead exposure. EPA will continue to strengthen actions to protect communities from lead in drinking water. This guidance alongside regulatory improvements, infrastructure investments like the $15 billion provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for identifying and replacing lead service lines (LSLs), and other actions, are significant steps towards replacing 100% of LSLs across the country. Service line inventories are the foundation from which water systems can take action to address LSLs. Establishing an inventory of service line materials and identifying the location of LSLs are key steps in getting them replaced. A comprehensive and accurate inventory allows you to publicly track progress on LSL identification and replacement, engaging the community and enhancing transparency. In addition, a comprehensive and accurate inventory can help all systems by supporting asset management programs and customer communications.

Delaware Rural Water Association is pleased to announce that it’s training center has received a grant from the State of Delaware via the CCCPM to provide FREE training to municipalities and their employees throughout the State of Delaware that is recognized and accredited by the American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE), for Cross Connection Control Certification, ASSE 5000 Standard. This nationally recognized ANSI® accreditation is designed to provide qualified students a national certification not only in the State of Delaware, but throughout the United States. The following select courses are available to municipalities throughout the State of Delaware at no cost to the towns or cities. To register for any of the free training opportunities please click on the "Read More..." button below.                                                                                                                                                      

Welcome to the Free LCRR Training for the Direct Responsible in Charge of Public Water Systems. In this course, the Direct Responsible in Charge of your water system will be examining the new lead and copper rule revisions (LCRR) to implement successful rule revisions in your water system. The Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) were effective on December 16, 2021. All Community and Non-Transient Non-Community water systems must develop an inventory to identify the materials of service lines connected to their water distribution system. Public Water Systems (PWSs) must develop an initial lead service line inventory by October 16, 2024. Lead pipes and fixtures still exist in our country – 11,000 communities, to be more specific– no amount of lead is safe. Replacing 100% of the existing lead pipes in our country sounds daunting; however, for the first time in decades, water professionals could solve some of the most challenging industry-wide problems. We know the tasks set before you are a huge undertaking, but the EPA has made unprecedented amounts of funding available to assist systems in the goal of identifying and replacing all lead service lines in our great nation. As a water operator professional, your number one priority is public health protection. Your duty is to uphold professional standards for the operation and maintenance of water systems. Fighting through the hardships of day-to-day operations, being short-staffed, and managing limited resources, you are the gatekeepers for safe, clean drinking water.

The deadline is fast approaching for water utilities to register for the NRWA PFAS Cost Recovery Program. Your system does not need to have a positive PFAS detect to participate. If you do not join now, you may risk losing available funds to treat and remove PFAS from your system.