The EPA has finalized the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, which kicks off a 10-year timeline for the complete replacement of lead service lines across the U.S. But what does this mean in practice for public utilities and homeowners?
Understanding Lead Service Line Replacement
Lead service line (LSL) replacement involves removing and replacing lead pipes with pipes made of safe materials. This replacement must happen on both the public utility side as well as the private side, which requires complex coordination.
LSL replacement is not just an infrastructure project — it's a community health initiative that demands careful planning, access to funding and equitable implementation. At Greenprint, we believe access to clean and safe drinking water is a basic human right. Replacing LSLs is a critical step towards protecting that right, especially for communities who have faced — or continue to face — environmental injustices.
As no amount of lead is safe for human consumption, the urgency for these projects has never been greater. In its 7th Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment (DWINSA) report, the EPA projected an astounding 9.2 million lead service lines in the US, with Florida, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas rounding out the top five states with the most lead service lines. Millions of people across the country are drinking water contaminated with lead.
Designing a Successful LSL Replacement Program
Civil engineering expertise is just one necessary component of designing a successful LSL replacement program. Private-public infrastructure programs need a holistic approach that considers both the people affected and the environment they live in. Greenprint has extensive experience in sourcing, designing and managing distributed infrastructure projects on public and private property in the Midwest and beyond. Our strategy combines extensive technical oversight with robust community outreach and engagement.
Building Buy-in Through Equitable Community Outreach
Centering community is fundamental to our approach at Greenprint. It can be challenging to build trust and buy-in so property owners actually feel compelled to participate. In neighborhoods disproportionately affected by lead piping and environmental pollution where there are high levels of distrust with public utilities, this challenge is multiplied.
Building strong partnerships with community-based organizations and other trusted local leaders is the key to engagement. By co-designing outreach initiatives with community leaders and exploring both traditional and creative tactics, we can better meet the community's needs and improve how to educate and engage residents.
For a green stormwater infrastructure program in south suburban Cook County, Illinois, Greenprint led collaborative work sessions with six Resident Steering Committees to help assess and prioritize project locations. By creating a space for residents to voice opinions that helped shape the projects, the communities gained a sense of ownership and connection with the development of its environmental infrastructure.
Empowering Stakeholders with Strategic Communications
Outreach and effective communication go hand-in-hand in successful LSL replacement program management. Greenprint excels in creating strategies that facilitate both internal and external communication, information sharing and capacity building. We aim to build buy-in through compelling storytelling, giving stakeholders and residents the understanding and motivation they need to support and participate in replacement initiatives.
By building strong partnerships, sharing stories and being transparent, we can proactively address concerns to make it easier for programs to be accepted and succeed. Regular updates, accessible information sessions and open channels of feedback ensure that community members are always aware of the project's progress and can voice their concerns and suggestions. Including tailored communications to reach non-English speakers, the elderly and residents without internet access helps ensure no one misses critical information about their water quality.
Securing Funding + Financing Support
In addition to having capacity, building buy-in, and planning and executing outreach and communications, another hurdle municipalities face is finding funding to offset the high costs of LSL replacement. Greenprint supports municipalities in navigating this complex landscape by identifying potential funding sources, including federal and state grants that prioritize lead replacement for public health reasons. With the LCRI finalization, the Biden administration announced a newly available $2.6 billion in funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law — this is on top of the $3 billion in funding announced in May 2024 — to replace toxic lead pipes, there is a historic opportunity for municipalities to accelerate their LSL replacement programs.
While there may be ample sources of funding, obtaining the funding poses yet another challenge for capacity-strained municipalities. Greenprint can provide assistance drafting grant applications and managing the requisite documentation, enhancing the likelihood of securing critical funds, both for the utilities and property owners. Once these funds are secured, we ensure they are used efficiently and transparently to maximize impact and benefit as many residents as possible.
Looking to the Next Few Years
The need for comprehensive LSL replacement programs remains a time-sensitive priority for public health nationwide. With our deep expertise in program management and a strong focus on equity, Greenprint is ready to be your partner to deliver safe, clean water to all.
