Corrosion Control for the Management of Lead and Copper at Customer Taps: Small Systems

The Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) may be one of the most difficult regulations for small water systems to meet. Yet protecting our customers from exposure to harmful levels of lead and copper in drinking water is a responsibility of all utilities. This course takes a comprehensive look at the control of lead and copper in drinking water. The course emphasizes the requirements utilities must meet under the LCR, while explaining the science of corrosion control that underlies the LCR. It places a particular emphasis on actions small systems must take to meet the provisions of the recently promulgated revisions to the LCR (LCRR).

The course is divided into four modules. The first module addresses the current LCR and health risks posed by lead and copper. The next module explains the science behind corrosion control. The third module focuses on the LCRR, emphasizing what small systems need to do with respect to lead service line inventories, re-tiering, tap sample collection and small systems compliance options. The final module covers corrosion control treatment (CCT) options and corrosion control studies.

While this course is designed to address small system issues, it is relevant for systems of all sizes. As a result of this course, the student will have a good understanding of the steps needed to meet the LCRR.