Leading the Charge: Orange County’s Commitment to Safe, Lead-Free Drinking Water by Municipal Water District of Orange County Aug 15, 2024 Member Submitted News The Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) is leading efforts to eliminate lead contamination in drinking water, aligning with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (USEPA) national goals. MWDOC’s initiatives adhere to the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) released in January 2021, which mandate a comprehensive inventory of all water service lines, regardless of property ownership, by October 16, 2024. MWDOC is pioneering this initiative through our Shared Services Program, which offers collaboration among Orange County agencies, streamlines the inventory process, provides for a high level of accuracy, and leverages collective purchasing power. This approach ensures that all participating retail agencies remain on track to meet the October 2024 federal deadline. Additionally, MWDOC is working with participating retail agencies to prepare for additional requirements in the pending USEPA Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) which are set to be finalized in October 2024. The draft LCRI released in December 2023 indicates the final rule will mandate even more stringent requirements, including the complete replacement of lead service lines within 10 years and enhanced water quality testing protocols. MWDOC’s commitment to these evolving standards highlights the complexity and importance of the task, emphasizing the need for ongoing collaboration and transparency across federal, state, and local levels to protect public health and ensure the safety of drinking water.
