Company: AWK
Filing Date: 2025-02-19
Form Type: 10-K
Source: 0001410636-25-000022
Chunk: 37

Company: American Water Works Company, Inc.
Filing Date: 2025-02-19
Form: 10-K
Item: Item 1
Chunk 37
---
LCR”) to reduce the corrosivity of water and control lead and copper in drinking water. In 2011, the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act was enacted, further limiting the use and introduction into commerce of lead pipes, plumbing fittings for fixtures, solder and flux. Since that time, the EPA has issued several minor revisions (2000, 2004 and 2007) and two major revisions (2021 and 2024) to the LCR.

While these measures have made an impact in reducing potential lead exposure in drinking water in the United States and educating water consumers, the 2021 Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (“LCRR”) and 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (“LCRI”) rules further advance public health protections by addressing the legacy lead service lines as well as lead plumbing materials, primarily in building plumbing, that still remain in many communities. The 2021 and 2024 revisions are discussed below.

On January 15, 2021, the EPA published the final LCRR with a revised final compliance date of October 16, 2024. The LCRR is designed to better identify high levels of lead, improve the reliability of lead tap sampling results, strengthen corrosion control treatment requirements, expand consumer awareness and improve risk communication. On October 30, 2024, the EPA published the LCRI with a “Compliance Date” of November 1, 2027. The LCRI focus includes requirements related to (i) replacing all lead and certain galvanized service lines under a utility’s control by October 30, 2037, 10 years after the Compliance Date; (ii) identifying the materials of all service lines of unknown material; (iii) improving tap sampling; (iv) reducing the lead action level; and (v) strengthening protections to reduce exposure to lead. The LCRI also deferred the compliance date of certain requirements of the LCRR to allow for compliance with both new rules.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was signed into law in November 2021 and provides for up to $15 billion for lead service line replacement through drinking water state revolving funds. The Company will evaluate its service territories and apply for funding for those areas that meet applicable requirements. With regard to future acquisitions, the Company will work with those communities as part of the acquisition process to set lead service lines (“LSLs”) removal goals appropriate for those systems. The prioritization of LSL removal is dependent on several factors, including the Company’s planned water main and service