🔎Legislative Scanner
Check out EPIC's legislative scanner to keep track of all the state LSL bills worth keeping an eye on.
State Updates
Massachusetts invests in technical assistance for infrastructure projects
Massachusetts announced $1.5 million in technical assistance grants to support local infrastructure projects, including lead service line inventories and replacements, and help communities compete for federal funding. These grants were awarded through the Municipal and Tribal Technical Assistance Program, which supports projects seeking or already receiving federal funding.
EPIC’s take: 👍Funding isn’t the only support communities need. Technical assistance can help small and under-resourced communities access funding they might otherwise struggle to secure, especially when they lack the staff capacity or upfront resources needed to assemble applications
Wisconsin’s SRF program has helped replace more than 86,000 LSLs
Wisconsin’s State Revolving Fund (SRF) program has supported the replacement of over 86,000 lead service lines (LSLs) through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), with another 15,000 replacements planned this year. Recognizing that this federal funding would be expiring, Governor Evers proposed an additional $200 million for LSL replacement in the 2025–2027 state budget. However, the Joint Finance Committee rejected the proposal.
EPIC’s take: 👍Wisconsin offers a model for tracking progress, but state funding remains a challenge. Wisconsin stands out for tracking how many LSLs have been replaced using SRF dollars, helping improve transparency and accountability of public spending while clarifying how much work remains beyond the reach of federal funding. As Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) requirements take effect and dedicated LSL funding through SRF reauthorization remains uncertain, more states will likely need to invest their own dollars to keep replacements moving. Wisconsin may need to revisit its funding strategy in the next budget cycle if it hopes to help all systems meet the LCRI’s 2037 deadline.
Local Updates
🏆Wins
Wausau, WI commits to cover private side replacement costs where SRF funding falls short. In an 11–0 vote the city council decided to keep its replacement program running at no direct cost to homeowners, using general obligation funds if SRFs funds fall short. The council also approved an ordinance mandating replacement.
EPIC’s take: 👏Removing cost barriers can speed up replacements. Covering private-side costs can boost program participation, while pairing financial assistance with a replacement mandate can help remove access barriers, and accelerate replacements.
Rochester, NY reaches the halfway point in its replacement program. The city has replaced over 14,000 service lines since starting its program in 2018 and expects to finish by 2032, five years ahead of the federal mandate.
EPIC’s take: 👍Getting ahead pays off! Rochester began removing LSLs well before the federal mandate. Having a program in place meant the city could mobilizing to apply and receive federal funding quickly once it became available, accelerating replacements and putting Rochester on track to finish early.
Chattanooga, TN considers resolution to support private-side replacement costs. The resolution would support Tennessee American Water’s proposal to cover private side-replacement costs by spreading them across the ratepayer base.
EPIC’s take: 👍Sharing costs can reduce upfront barriers. Spreading private-side replacement costs across all ratepayers can help homeowners avoid large upfront bills. But rate increases can also put pressure on water affordability, making it important to balance the cost of replacement with the need to keep water service affordable.
Want to learn more?
Visit EPIC's LSL Policy Lowdown page, LSL Replacement Initiative page, and our Lead Innovation Hub.
