IntroductionRegulations are created to protect the health and welfare of the public. The U.S. EPA develops regulations at the federal level, and each state's EPA has the ability to issue regulations relevant to their state. The criterion for individual state regulation is that it must be at least as stringent as federal regulation. The purpose of this document is to review the general requirements of the Lead and Copper Rule (with attention to the lead aspect) charged with protecting drinking water at the federal and state levels. Federal RegulationThe Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) was created June 7, 1991 and is found at 40 CFR 141 (USEPA, 2011). This section outlines monitoring measures to test for lead, public notification requirements, and the action level (AL) established by the LCR. The section concludes with the requirements that must be met if the AL is passed: monitoring of water quality parameters, public education, corrosion control treatment, monitoring and/or treatment of source water, and replacement of supply lines. main service. Monitoring Monitoring is required for all community water non-transient non-community water systems (CWS) and non-community non-transient water systems (NTNCWS). The USEPA (2011) establishes monitoring sites in homes and businesses that are at high risk for lead contamination as set forth in 40 CFR 141.86(a). Water systems are required to monitor sites every six months. Public Notification There are two public notification clauses in the LCR. The first is the Lead Consumer Notice, which states that 40 CFR 141.86(g), lead test results must be sent to mains water consumers within 30 days, regardless of whether the AL has been exceeded. The second is the Consumer Confidence Report, 40 CFR 141.154 is...... half of the document...... discussed as part of this document but can be found in parts 3745-81-80 through 3745 -81-90 of the Administrative Code (OEPA, n.d.). ConclusionRegulations are created to protect the health and welfare of the public. The LCR was created to protect people from exposure to lead from drinking water. While the USEPA creates the original regulation, states are tasked with establishing individual action plans to help municipalities protect public health and welfare and comply with mandatory regulations. Works CitedOEPA, (n.d.). Division of Drinking and Groundwater Regulations and Laws. Ohio Environmental Protection Agency website. Retrieved from http://www.epa.ohio.gov/ddagw/rules.aspxUSEPA, (2011). Water: lead and copper rule. United States Environmental Protection Agency website. Retrieved from http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/rulesregs/sdwa/lcr/index.cfm