Community Organizations
Empowered Communities Driving Change
When community organizers are involved in decision-making, communities make real progress in replacing lead pipes. Community organizers play a crucial role in lead pipe replacement by connecting local governments, decision-makers, and the communities they serve.
6 Key Principles for Communities to Act on Lead Pipe Replacement
Six key principles can determine the success of any lead service line replacement (LSLR) program. Each principle offers actions, tools, and resources to support community organizers—including community-based organizations, resident leaders, neighborhood associations, faith-based organizations, tenant groups, environmental and public health advocates, local nonprofits, and other trusted community partners. By engaging with water utilities and city leaders and educating the public, community organizers can help accelerate replacement and expand access to safe, reliable, and affordable drinking water.
Get started by exploring each of these principles:
Foster a Strong Partnership with the Water Utility
Highlighting Community Action
Organizations across the country are taking action to encourage local municipal and water utility leaders to remove lead pipes and ensure their community has access to safer drinking water. Join them by taking action in your community!
Share your success, and help inspire others!
Innovation Spotlight
Check out our Lead Pipes 101
Learn more about lead in drinking water, including its potential impacts and practical solutions to replace lead lines faster, fully, and forever.
Did you know?
Any amount of lead poses a risk to human health
Even at low exposure levels, lead can harm brain development, leading to:
- Lower IQ
- Reading and learning disabilities
- Shortened attention spans
- Behavioral issues
Lead pipes are a major source of lead in drinking water
Service lines—the pipes connecting water mains to homes—are the largest contributor, though internal plumbing, fixtures, and solder can also add to exposure. Even when water is treated to reduce pipe corrosion, lead can leach into water unpredictably, posing an ongoing risk. Other sources include lead-based paint, contaminated soil and food, and older cookware and toys.
Homes built before 1986 are at risk
The federal government prohibited the use of lead service lines in 1986. The rule became effective in 1989. Many states and municipalities prohibited the use of lead service lines before 1989, but several did not. Solders, fixtures, and other interior plumbing items were not required to be "lead-free" until 2014.
Young children and pregnant or breastfeeding women are most at risk
Even small amounts of lead can harm a child's brain development, causing learning disabilities, lower IQ, attention issues, and behavioral problems. This risk is highest for children under the age of six. Lead exposure during pregnancy is also a major risk factor for preeclampsia.
4 million lead pipes are still in use
EPA estimates that millions of homes still receive water through lead pipes. Replacing them is essential to reducing potential lead exposure through drinking water and improving public health.
Replacing lead pipes creates job opportunities
Lead pipe replacement creates immediate opportunities, especially for plumbers and contractors. Creating a pipeline of shovel-ready projects strengthens the local workforce and provides steady employment.