Summary
Chapter 246-290 WAC sets rules for large public water systems, including requirements for monitoring and controlling lead and copper in drinking water. These requirements govern how water systems test for lead and copper at customer taps, respond when levels are elevated, replace lead service lines, and notify the public about risks.
For More Information
Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, RCW 70A.125, RCW 70A.130
Board Contact: Shay Bauman, shay.bauman@sboh.wa.gov
Department Contact: Mike Means, mike.means@doh.wa.gov
Additional Background
The Board delegated rulemaking authority to the Department of Health (Department) in April 2026 to align chapter 246-290 WAC with updated federal requirements in 40 C.F.R. Part 141, Subpart I. The federal revisions, published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in October 2024 as the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), strengthen protections against lead exposure by accelerating lead service line replacement, establishing updated testing protocols, adding a trigger level for earlier mitigation, and requiring testing at schools and childcare facilities. States with primacy must adopt the revised requirements no later than October 30, 2026.
The Department is conducting exception rulemaking to incorporate the federal requirements into WAC 246-290-025, 246-290-310, 246-290-72005, 246-290-72010, and 246-290-72012, along with minor editorial updates to maintain consistency of terms and internal references.
The CR-102 was filed as WSR 26-11-039 on May 18, 2026. A public hearing is scheduled for June 23, 2026.
If you want to know more about these rule changes, please visit the Department's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements webpage.
