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.
Minnesota’s Lead Service Line Replacement Grant Program prioritizes the use grant funds to repay loans incurred for LSLR including DWSRF loans. Minn. Stat. 446A.077 §4(a).
The state’s SFY22 IUP assgined additional priority points based economic development criteria promoting job creation (Attachment 1, p. 2).
The SFY25 IUP limits SRF funding to projects that fully remove lead components (p. 18). It also allows multi-year applications for lead line replacements (p. 20), prioritizes collaborative applicants (p. 13), and offers principal forgiveness for private-side work and filters (p. 19).
New Jersey requires the replacement of all lead and galvanized service lines, including the private portion, and enables water utilities to recover private-side replacement costs through water rates. P.L. 2021 c.183 §5 (a-b).
The State of Minnesota has developed an online tool mapping all inventories throughout the state, down to the individual line. The website and database are created in collaboration with academic partners.
In 2017, Indiana authorized the inclusion of customer-side LSL replacement as eligible infrastructure improvements for investor-owned and municipal water utilities. Ind. Code § 8-1-31.6-7 and Ind. Code §8-1-31.6-8.
NC DEQ provides guidance and templates for lead service line inventories and notices for lead, galvanized requiring replacement, and unknown material service lines.
In 2024, the Iowa legislature introduced a bill requiring that the presence of lead service lines be disclosed in real estate transactions. H.F. 442.
Rhode Island law requires the disclosure of lead exposure hazards and potential lead exposure hazards in a residential dwelling, dwelling unit, or premise that is offered for sale or lease. R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-24.6-16
The purpose of the Lead Innovation Hub is to empower users to take action by equipping them with the best information, solutions, and resources available to replace lead pipes and improve public health for all.
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:
Read more here.
