Resources available for lead service line inventory and replacement programs

U.S. water utilities face a host of new requirements in the revised Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and need to begin preparing now, even though deadlines are generally three years away.

One key reason: the requirement that water systems establish an inventory of lead service lines (LSL) in their service areas, including the portion owned by customers, as a step toward ensuring their complete replacement.
 
When the LCR overhaul was announced in December 2020, AWWA president Melissa Elliott stated, “AWWA renews its commitment to the removal of all lead service lines in their entirety. The first step in accomplishing that task is the development of lead inventories in every community, and we enthusiastically support the inclusion of that requirement in the final rule.”

The Lead Service Line Replacement Collaborative, of which AWWA is a member, provides information for utilities and other stakeholders developing LSL removal programs. The Collaborative includes representatives from stakeholders that share the common goal of LSL replacement, including utilities, community health and housing organizations, state agencies and advocacy groups.   

To help organizations tackling lead service line removal, the Collaborative has developed a website page featuring successful, real-life case examples from around the country. To share additional examples or ideas of how organizations are tackling specific LSL replacement challenges, please contact the Collaborative.

More information is available at AWWA’s Lead resource page.