The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released new guidance Aug. 21 to help drinking water systems protect communities from lead and comply with federal requirements for replacing lead pipes.

The guidance is part of the EPA’s effort to use clear, plain language to provide water systems with information, definitions and practical examples for implementing lead pipe replacement requirements under the Lead and Copper Rule, a news release said. Reducing exposure to lead, a powerful neurotoxin that is particularly dangerous to children, also advances the Trump EPA’s commitment to Making America Healthy Again.

“The agency’s efforts to reduce lead in drinking water started under the first Trump Administration and continue today under Administrator Zeldin’s leadership,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Jess Kramer in the release. “EPA is committed to supporting local water systems as they identify and remove lead pipes. Today, we are providing practical, clear, and plain language guidance clarifying existing federal requirements. This action complements federal funding and technical assistance in a holistic approach.”

The EPA released two documents, “Access Tips” and “Service Line Inventory Tips,” to provide practical information for water systems and states implementing the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, or LCRI.

The agency sought public input on the two documents in April 2026 and considered the comments it received when developing the final resources.

The new guidance is part of a broader EPA approach to addressing lead in drinking water that emphasizes collaboration, practical implementation and communication.

The agency recently launched a revamped lead website at https://www.epa.gov/lead, which includes a new StoryMap focused on “Lead and Children’s Health.” The streamlined site is designed to help parents and caregivers, contractors, health care professionals and other users quickly find critical information about preventing lead exposure.

The website is among the EPA’s actions under the government-wide “Federal Lead Action Plan,” which was launched during President Trump’s first term as a blueprint for reducing lead exposure through collaboration among federal agencies.

The EPA said the new resources are another example of the Trump administration’s efforts to ensure Americans can rely on clean and safe drinking water. The guidance complements the agency’s Real Water TA technical assistance initiative, which provides hands-on support to communities and water systems addressing water infrastructure challenges or funding needs.

The EPA also supports state and local efforts to upgrade and maintain water infrastructure through funding opportunities. In 2026, the agency announced nearly $3 billion in funding for identifying and removing lead pipes.

There is no safe level of lead exposure. When lead pipes are present, they are the primary source of lead in drinking water.

The EPA said it is committed to using every available tool to protect Americans from lead in drinking water. The 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Improvements builds on the foundation established by the first Trump administration’s 2021 Lead and Copper Rule Revisions.

The Lead and Copper Rule, first promulgated in 1991, regulates lead and copper in public drinking water systems.