The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released two guidance documents intended to help drinking water systems implement lead service line replacement requirements under the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI).

The new Access Tips and Service Line Inventory Tips documents provide practical information, definitions and examples for water systems and states working to identify and replace lead pipes. EPA said the resources are designed to clarify existing federal requirements using plain language.

The agency sought public input on the documents in April 2026 and incorporated comments into the final resources.

EPA said the guidance is part of a broader effort to address lead in drinking water through regulatory implementation, technical assistance and infrastructure funding. The agency also recently updated its lead website and published a StoryMap focused on lead and children's health.

The resources complement EPA's Real Water Technical Assistance (RealWaterTA) program, which provides hands-on support to communities addressing water infrastructure challenges. EPA said it has announced nearly $3 billion in 2026 funding for lead service line identification and removal.