Accelerating Lead Service Line Replacement
Removing Lead From Water Systems
EPIC’s Lead Service Line Replacement Initiative bridges federal, state, and local contexts to accelerate faster replacement of all the nation’s lead service lines.
How We Work
Lead service lines remain a major public health threat, and we are working to accelerate their replacement nationwide. Grounded in both research and on-the-ground practice, we develop tools, policy recommendations, and innovative approaches—spanning legal and regulatory reform, financing and contracting models, workforce development, and digital mapping solutions—that help governments and communities act faster.
Our experts analyze federal and state funding flows and regulatory frameworks to identify opportunities for smarter, more efficient investments. In close collaboration with EPIC’s Funding Navigator, we pair localized technical assistance with policy expertise to surface barriers, design responsive solutions, and ease financial burdens on local governments and residents.
By working alongside place-based partners, we also encourage procurement practices that strengthen local workforces and economies. Through practical guidance, innovative tools, and forward-looking insights into infrastructure finance and policy, we are helping utilities, municipalities, and state agencies move from planning to implementation—and bringing the nation closer to replacing all harmful lead service lines.
What We’re Working On
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A centralized resource with tools, case studies, and guidance to help communities advance lead service line replacement.
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Timely updates and analysis on policies shaping lead service line replacement efforts nationwide.
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Explores funding and financing strategies to help communities achieve full lead service line replacement.
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Explains how automatic enrollment can increase participation and make lead service line replacement programs more efficient.
Latest Insights
About The Lead Service Line Replacement Initiative
We work to accelerate the replacement of all harmful lead service lines by helping municipalities, utilities, state agencies, and community organizations access and implement best practices in policy, administrative practices, procurement solutions, and data management.
What Drives Us
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Lead in drinking water, poses a risk to human health, even for adults.
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According to the most recent estimates, 4 million lead service lines are still in use across the country.
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There is a ten-year mandate for replacing all lead service lines.
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Replacing lead service lines creates job opportunities.
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Some communities are already replacing 2,000-5,000+ lead service lines every year.
Why This Matters
No amount of lead is safe, yet thousands of communities across the country have lead service lines and need help finding and replacing them. With $15 billion in federal funding and additional support from states and private entities, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to replace them.
Improving government and utility policies and practices, and helping under-resourced communities navigate these projects quickly and efficiently, are essential to accelerate progress and protect public health.