Transparency in action: Map of public LSL replacement programs

Explore the map to see the communities EDF identified with LSL replacement programs

Across the United States, an estimated 9.2 million homes and buildings still get their water from a lead pipe. Everyone needs their lead pipes replaced, regardless of who they are or whether they can afford it.

Momentum towards eliminating lead service lines (LSLs) is building. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocated $15 billion for LSL replacement and anticipated improvements to EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule will likely mandate removal within 10 years. With resources available, a pending mandate, and a roadmap provided by the Lead Service Line Replacement Collaborative, the country can reach the Biden Administration’s goal of eliminating LSLs.

We developed this map to make visible the communities where active programs are in place to remove LSLs and where inaction remains. Each blue dot on the map represents an active LSL replacement program that is public about their efforts.

Data updated: August 2024

*This map is not a comprehensive list of all LSL replacement programs, but rather showcases programs EDF identified through public sources.

200 programs and counting

Over 200 water utilities across the country have established public LSL replacement programs to protect public health at a community-wide scale. Transparency is key to success, as residents deserve to understand where LSLs are in their neighborhood and what their local water utility is doing to tackle the problem. Without active participation from residents to replace the portion of pipe on their property, utility efforts to eliminate LSLs cannot be achieved.

This is just the start. EDF welcomes your input to help us build out the map and showcase water utilities’ commitment to transparency across the country.

Are we missing a public LSL replacement program in your community? Let us know!

Beyond transparency to center health and equity

The water utility programs on this map are public about their efforts.

Beyond transparency, key elements of an LSL replacement program that emphasizes public health and equity include:

  • Prioritizing vulnerable populations. Children, particularly in low-income communities and communities of color, experience the greatest burden from lead exposure. Effective programs prioritize replacement at locations such as child care facilities or households with children, as well as socioeconomic factors such as income.
  • Providing financial support to ensure that everyone can replace their LSLs. To address inequity in LSL replacement participation, programs may directly cover the entire cost of replacement or ease the financial burden such as through reimbursements, loans, or subsidies.

To learn more about how to center equity in your LSL replacement program, check out the Lead Service Line Replacement Collaborative’s Guide to Equity Analysis.

Concerned about lead pipes in your community?

If you can’t find the information you need, encourage your utility to proactively engage with your community about their efforts so they too can become a dot on the map. You can also ask your water utility the following questions:

  • Do you have information on the water service line used at my property?
  • Do you have an online map of lead pipe locations in my neighborhood?
  • What is the plan to replace lead pipes in my community? How can I participate?

Map resources

Background resources

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