Category: Policy Analysis

Workers replacing lead pipes

Automatic Enrollment Policies Can Make Lead Service Line Replacement Projects More Efficient and Expedient

This blog explains how automatic enrollment policies to streamline lead service line replacement programs, reducing customer barriers and administrative burdens to accelerate the delivery of safe drinking water.

Read More
Water drop abstract background

How SRF policies can support equitable water workforce development

IIJA is an investment in jobs, as well as infrastructure. Federal SRF appropriations flow to communities through state SRF programs, but more is needed to ensure that the jobs created by investments in water infrastructure are equitably distributed to workers in underserved communities. This policy brief identifies policy options state SRF administrators can adopt to advance equitable workforce goals.

Read More
Person at kitchen sink filling a glass of water

How are small municipalities tackling the lead service line dilemma?

The City of Platteville, WI secured and distributed a list of five pre-qualified plumbers for residents to use to replace private side LSLs.

Read More
Man filling water bottle at kitchen sink

Getting to Yes: How effective engagement with residents can ease lead service line replacement Challenges

This report emphasizes that effective resident engagement, marketing, and public education strategies—through clear communication and addressing homeowner concerns—is crucial for overcoming barriers and accelerating lead service line replacement efforts.

Read More
Government official signing document

Stretching the Dollar to Get the Lead Out: Lead Service Line Contracting

This contracting guide highlights key contracting components that utilities should consider including in their programs to ensure funding is utilized effectively.

Read More
Workers replacing lead pipes in a community

Stretching the Dollar to Get the Lead Out: Good Decision-Making and Planning for Lead Service Line Cost Efficiencies

This policy brief highlights strategies that utilities and/or state agencies should consider adopting to make informed, holistic decisions when spending money on LSL programs.

Read More
Lead pipe on a dirty pile at a construction site

How far will BIL dollars go in replacing lead lines across the country?

This blog analyzes how far federal funding will go to replace toxic lead lines over the five years of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Read More
Lead pipe on grass

Stretching the Dollar to Get the Lead Out: Advancing Lead Service Line Programs with Low or No-Cost Policies and Practices

This policy brief highlights low or no-cost policies and practices that have proven successful for many water utilities, and can be replicated in an effort to lower the overall total price tag of lead service line replacement nationwide.

Read More
Apartment building

Engaging Landlords and Tenants in Lead Service Line Replacement

Engaging landlords and tenants is essential to ensure equitable and effective lead service line replacement, especially in rental properties where children face the greatest risk.

Read More

Milwaukee is one of the few cities in the country with a prioritization plan to ensure neighborhoods likely to suffer the most severe impacts from lead poisoning get their pipes replaced first. In consultation with a community-based group, Coalition for Lead Emergency (COLE), and following a public engagement process, Milwaukee included in an ordinance three indicators to prioritize where LSLs will be removed first:

  1. The area deprivation index (ADI), which is a compilation of social determinants of health
  2. The percentage of children found to have elevated lead levels in their blood when tested for lead poisoning
  3. The density of lead service lines in the neighborhood.

Read more here.