Tackling new projects like lead service line replacement (LSLR) can feel overwhelming, especially as we look towards new Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) requirements. There are so many decisions to make—some big, some small—that all have a significant impact on both the timeline and the cost of your program. That's why we've developed a new guide, "Designing for Lead Service Line Replacement Success: Key Planning Decisions Impacting Lead Service Line Replacement Costs."

With new goals, requirements, and funding for lead service line replacements emerging all the time, it's crucial to make the most of available resources. Here are Safe Water Engineering's top recommendations for maximizing funding and removing more lead service lines from your water system:

Earlier this year, Safe Water Engineering prepared a report that analyzed lead service line replacement (LSLR) cost estimates, identified the line-item costs that are major overall cost drivers, and identified strategies for reducing LSLR costs at both the unit scale and at the overall program scale.

"Benton Harbor: From Lead Crisis to Lead-Free” published in Journal of American Water Works Association, September 2023 

"Removing Michigan’s Lead Water Service Lines: Economic Savings, Health Benefits, And Improved Health Equity” published in Health Affairs, August 2023 

Perhaps you’ve read the recent article in The Guardian regarding the shocking levels of lead found in Chicago’s drinking water. The article was based on data from results of water tests conducted for Chicago residents between 2016 and 2021. And while much of the data has been publicly available for years, Chicago itself has never released an analysis of the results.