Court hears utilities' challenge to EPA's lead pipe rule (LCRI)
Is the EPA lead pipe rule (LCRI) still in effect?
On September 30, 2026 the D.C. Circuit heard arguments in AWWA v. EPA (No. 24-1376), a challenge to the 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Improvements; the rule stays in effect, with its main compliance date on November 1, 2027.
The American Water Works Association asks the D.C. Circuit to vacate the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), which EPA finalized in October 2024 and which took effect on December 30, 2024.
At the September 30, 2026 argument, the judges focused on what 'control' over service lines means under the Safe Drinking Water Act, including pipes on private property. The current administration defended the rule.
The rule requires most water systems to replace lead service lines within 10 years and lowers the lead action level from 15 ppb to 10 ppb. Its main compliance date is November 1, 2027.
No decision had been issued as of mid-October 2026, so the deadlines could still change.
Filters certified under NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 for lead are listed on our lead page.
