LSL Policy Lowdown: June 15–28, 2026

waterblogs
Written By Erica Galante-Johnson

🔎Legislative Scanner

Check out EPIC's legislative scanner to keep track of all the state LSL bills worth keeping an eye on.

Federal updates

LSLR Collaborative Recognizes Leadership in Lead Pipe Replacement

In celebration of it's 10 years the LSLR Collaborative honored 16 individuals and programs for leadership and innovation advancing LSL replacement efforts.

EPIC’s take: 👍Congratulations to all the awardees! Their work highlights the range of approaches communities are taking to accelerate replacement and overcome barriers.

State updates

Removing Barriers to Private-Side Replacement is Up to Louisiana Voters

Louisiana voters will decide on November 3 whether to approve a constitutional amendment authorizing the use of public funds to replace service lines on private property.

EPIC’s take: 🤞This is an important next step. As we’ve said before, while it may already be permissible to use public funds for private-side replacement under public health exceptions, legal clarity gives utilities the certainty they need to move forward. Combined with Louisiana’s recent bill enabling utility access to private property for replacements, the state is putting key legislative pieces  in place to accelerate full LSL replacement.

Local updates

🏆 Wins

Trenton, NJ secured $15.2 M in SRF loans to continue replacements. The city plans to use this funding to replace approximately 2,000 service lines, highlighting the continued importance of SRF financing in supporting large-scale replacement efforts

Rochester, MN continues to make progress thanks to SRF funding. The city was awarded $3M to support inventory and replacement efforts. Rochester has identified 450 LSLs and plans to replace 120 at no cost to homeowners by the end of the year.

  • EPIC’s take: 👍Rochester uses of default enrollment, a best practice that aligns with EPIC’s recommendations. By enrolling customers by default, utilities can reduce administrative burdens, increase homeowner participation, and accelerate replacement efforts.

🚧Hurdles

Hempstead, NY proposes rate hikes to fund LSL replacement and PFAS removal. If approved, some customers could see  monthly water bills increase by as much as  $30, raising affordability concerns.

  • EPIC’s take: 🚩As federal IIJA funding winds down, more communities will need to identify sustainable local and state funding sources. Rate increases are one option, but they can create affordability challenges and face public resistance. We hope more communities explore innovative funding and financing approaches that reduce the burden on customers, like the ones highlighted in our whitepaper.

Want to learn more?

Visit EPIC's LSL Replacement Initiative page and our Lead Innovation Hub.

Erica Galante-Johnson

Erica is the Senior Lead Service Line Replacement Policy Analyst at EPIC. Prior to joining EPIC in 2023, Erica worked in the New York State Assembly in the office of the Health Committee Chair, Amy Paulin. Erica holds a PhD and Master’s degree in Biology from the City University of New York and a bachelor’s degree from Universidad Simón Bolívar in Venezuela. As a scientist, she has been involved in numerous interdisciplinary research projects addressing issues operating at the interface of environmental conservation and human health, in both academic and non-profit settings.

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EPIC Comments on Illinois’ Drinking Water SRF SFY 2027 Public Water Supply Loan Program Draft Intended Use Plan