Division of Drinking Water

EPA Mandates Lead Pipe Replacement Within 10 Years

On October 8th, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule requiring community and non-transient non-community drinking water systems across the country to identify and replace lead pipes within 10 years.

The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) also require more rigorous testing of drinking water and a lower threshold requiring communities to take action to protect people from lead exposure in water. In addition, the final rule improves communication within communities so that families are better informed about the risk of lead in drinking water, the location of lead pipes, and plans for replacing them. This final rule is part of a nationwide effort to replace every lead pipe in the country within a decade, making sure that all communities can turn on the tap and drink clean water.

PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation

On April 26, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the first-ever national drinking water standard to protect communities from exposure to harmful per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) through the issuance of Maximum Contamination Levels or MCLs.

The PFAS MCLs are legally enforceable limits for community and non-transient, non-community water systems. Water systems must complete initial monitoring by April 26, 2027 and must be fully in compliance with the MCLs by April 26, 2029.

Learn more about the PFAS regulation

FREE Lead Testing for Schools & Child Care Providers

Under new state law, all public and private schools in Utah are required to test all drinking water fixtures for lead. Testing must be completed by December 31, 2023. The Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is encouraging schools and childcare facilities to apply for funds to test for lead in their drinking water after the agency received a $982,000 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant to cover the cost of testing. DEQ will pay lab costs on behalf of the facility, so no reimbursement is needed.

• Interested facilities please see Utah’s Lead-Free Learning Testing Initiative.

Guidance on Onsite Wastewater Disposal Systems in Source Protection Zones

The Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has developed two reports, intended to address non-sewered areas across the state, where onsite wastewater disposal systems, otherwise known as septic tanks, are the preferred method for addressing wastewater. These documents are intended to assist local governments and Public Water Systems in the protection of groundwater resources.

• Visit the Onsite Wastewater Disposal Systems in Source Protection Zones page for more information.

Map of Drinking Water Labs in Utah

The laboratories shown on this map may be able to perform the testing indicated.

• Visit the Labs & Sampling page to find the map

Chlorine Reporting

• Report Distribution System Chlorine Residuals Online
• Quarterly Chlorination Report

GRAMA Requests

Can’t find the documents you’re looking for using EZ Records Search? Send us a GRAMA Request . Have questions about GRAMA Requests? Contact Marisa Mathie ([email protected]),  (385) 499-0919