The deadline is fast approaching for all Community Water Systems (CWS) and Non-Transient, Non-Community Water Systems (NTNCWSs) in the U.S. to submit an initial inventory of their service line materials as part of a nationwide effort to address lead in drinking water.
Communities have until October 16, 2024, to complete this initial step in the federal government’s ambitious lead service line replacement program, which is part of the broader Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR).
This initiative aims to eradicate lead service lines and reduce the risk of lead contamination in drinking water.
Lead contamination in drinking water has been a persistent public health issue in the United States for decades.
The dangers of lead exposure, especially to children and pregnant women, are well-documented. Lead poisoning can cause irreversible damage to the brain and nervous system, stunting development and leading to behavioral and learning problems. Despite the significant risk, lead service lines (LSLs) are still present in millions of homes across the country. These aging pipes pose a major threat to the quality of drinking water and the health of those who consume it.
Background: The Scope of the Problem
Lead service lines are the primary source of lead contamination in drinking water. These pipes, which connect water mains to individual homes, were installed extensively in the early-to-mid 20th century, before the dangers of lead became widely recognized. Estimates suggest that there are still between 6 to 10 million lead service lines in use across the United States, with the highest concentrations in older urban areas such as Chicago, Newark, and Washington D.C.
Although the use of lead pipes for plumbing was banned in 1986, and the Safe Drinking Water Act amendments of 1991 set strict limits on lead content in drinking water, many homes still rely on outdated infrastructure. Even a small amount of lead in drinking water can be harmful. For this reason, replacing LSLs has become a top priority for public health advocates and government agencies alike.
Legislative and Regulatory Efforts
The Biden administration has set a goal of replacing all lead service lines within the next decade. The passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) in November 2021 earmarked $15 billion specifically for lead service line replacement. This funding, distributed through the EPA’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, has accelerated efforts across the country. However, $15 billion is only a fraction of the estimated $45-$60 billion needed to replace all lead service lines.
The EPA’s updated Lead and Copper Rule Revisions, which came into effect in December 2021, introduced new requirements for utilities and municipalities. These include:
- Lead Service Line Inventories: Water systems must develop an inventory of lead service lines within their service areas by 2024. This inventory is crucial for understanding the full scope of the problem and prioritizing replacement efforts.
- Replacement Requirements: The rule mandates a minimum annual replacement rate for lead service lines and establishes a new “trigger level” of 10 parts per billion (ppb) of lead in drinking water, which requires additional actions to reduce lead levels.
- Customer Communication and Education: Water utilities must notify residents within 24 hours if elevated lead levels are detected and provide clear information on the risks of lead exposure and how to mitigate it.
Progress to Date
Since the announcement of these initiatives, several states and municipalities have made significant progress in planning and executing lead service line replacements. As of 2024, notable achievements include:
- Illinois: Illinois passed a statewide lead service line replacement mandate in 2021, which requires all lead service lines to be removed within 40 years. Cities such as Chicago, which is believed to have the most lead service lines of any city in the U.S., have initiated large-scale replacement programs, prioritizing neighborhoods with the highest levels of vulnerability.
- Michigan: Following the Flint water crisis, Michigan implemented one of the most stringent lead service line replacement rules in the country. As of 2024, the state has replaced over 20,000 lead service lines and aims to complete replacement for all known lines by 2041.
- New Jersey: Newark and Trenton have been at the forefront of LSL replacement in New Jersey. Newark, which faced high-profile lead contamination issues in recent years, successfully replaced more than 18,000 lead service lines in less than three years.
- Ohio: In Columbus and Cleveland, LSL inventories and partial replacement programs have been expanded. The state is leveraging federal funds to provide subsidies to low-income households to cover the cost of LSL replacement.
Despite these successes, the pace of replacement varies significantly among states and municipalities. Some areas, particularly those with fewer resources, have struggled to meet inventory and replacement requirements. Many rural communities face unique challenges due to the dispersed nature of their water systems and limited funding.
Challenges and Barriers
Several challenges continue to hinder the progress of the lead service line replacement program:
- Funding Gaps: While the federal government has provided substantial funding, it is not sufficient to cover the entire cost of nationwide replacement. States and municipalities are often required to supplement federal funds with their own resources, which can be a significant barrier for less affluent areas.
- Inadequate Data: Many water systems lack complete and accurate data on the location and composition of lead service lines. This complicates efforts to prioritize replacements and comply with federal requirements.
- Coordination and Communication: The replacement process often involves multiple stakeholders, including water utilities, local governments, contractors, and homeowners. Ensuring effective coordination and communication can be difficult, especially in large urban areas.
- Disruption and Logistics: Replacing lead service lines is a disruptive process that involves digging up streets, sidewalks, and potentially private property. Managing these logistics, while minimizing inconvenience to residents, requires careful planning and execution.
- Equity Considerations: Lead exposure disproportionately affects low-income and minority communities. Ensuring that LSL replacements are conducted equitably—without burdening homeowners with costs—is a key priority but also a major challenge.
Looking Ahead
The U.S. lead service line replacement program is at a pivotal moment. With increased funding and regulatory pressure, there is real momentum behind efforts to eliminate lead from drinking water infrastructure. However, achieving this goal will require sustained investment, innovative approaches, and strong partnerships between federal, state, and local agencies.
Technological advancements, such as improved methods for detecting lead pipes and more cost-effective replacement techniques, are also expected to play a role in speeding up the process. Public awareness campaigns and community engagement initiatives will be crucial in building trust and ensuring that residents are informed and supportive of these efforts.
In the next few years, it is anticipated that more states will adopt stricter regulations and implement comprehensive replacement programs. The EPA is also expected to continue refining the Lead and Copper Rule based on feedback from states and municipalities, with the possibility of further tightening the allowable lead levels in drinking water.
The success of the lead service line replacement program will ultimately depend on the ability of the federal government to sustain funding, the commitment of states and municipalities to meet or exceed regulatory requirements, and the participation of communities in supporting these vital public health efforts.
GPRS Services Help with Lead Service Line Removal
The first step in removing a lead service line (LSL) is to identify its existence, which requires accurately mapping your water system infrastructure. Both pressurized drinking water lines and sewer lines (including sanitary and storm sewers) must be precisely located and mapped before daylighting potential lead lines and proceeding with excavation and replacement.
GPRS boasts a 99.8%+ accuracy rate in utility line location and mapping, the highest in the industry. By incorporating our state-of-the-art, NASSCO-certified video pipe inspection (VPI) services into a standard utility locate, you can accurately map all storm and sanitary sewer lines, laterals, and detect cross bores caused by trenchless technology like directional drilling. This comprehensive approach enables you to create a detailed map of your entire drinking and wastewater systems, making the process of identifying and replacing LSLs much faster and easier.
Additionally, every GPRS customer gains access to our new SiteMap® infrastructure visualization software. This tool provides layered, interactive utility maps and NASSCO WinCan reports in a secure, cloud-based platform, allowing you to manage the quality of your water infrastructure data and control who has access to it. SiteMap® ensures that the right information reaches the right people at the right time.
From skyscrapers to sewer lines, GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World® to keep your projects on time, on budget, and safe.
What can we help you visualize?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is a pipe that connects the water main under the street to a home or building. These pipes are made of lead and were commonly used for plumbing in the early 20th century. Because lead is highly toxic, these pipes can contaminate drinking water if they corrode or break down over time.
2. How do I know if my home has a lead service line?
To determine if your home has a lead service line, check with your local water utility or health department. They may have information on the presence of lead pipes in your area. You can also hire a professional plumber to inspect your service line or look for clues such as the color and material of the pipe where it enters your home.
3. Who is responsible for replacing lead service lines?
Responsibility for replacing lead service lines varies by location. In some areas, the water utility covers the cost of replacement, while in others, homeowners may be required to share in the cost. Recent federal and state initiatives aim to reduce the financial burden on homeowners, particularly in low-income communities, by providing subsidies and grants for lead service line replacement.
The lead service line replacement program is an essential step toward ensuring safe drinking water for all Americans. As efforts continue to ramp up, the hope is that lead contamination in drinking water will soon be a thing of the past.
