Lead-Free Water Challenge

In 2021, EPIC launched its first technical assistance program, the Lead-Free Water Challenge, to help small to medium-sized municipalities launch their own lead service line replacement programs.

The Lead-Free Water Challenge was designed to boost lead service line replacement in areas where a municipality most needs it. After an initial assessment, we helped participants with the following:

  1. Connected them with other service providers with expertise on data, finance, and communications.

  2. Orchestrated conversations between utilities and elected officials.

  3. Provided access to innovative tools, technologies, and templates through programs like the 2021 Water Data Prize and EPIC’s other Lead-Free initiatives.

  4. Made available resources such as a right to entry ordinance template, model lead-free resolution, and other resources.

EPIC fostered strong partnerships with these technical service providers to aid cities with the resources they need to #GetTheLeadOut.

Lead-Free Water Challenge Partners

  • Environmental Policy Innovation Center

  • WaterPIO

  • Center for Geospatial Solutions

  • Blue Conduit

Publications

Blogs

Blog
Looking for Clues on Lead Service Line Inventories in the 7th DWINSA Update
Looking for Clues on Lead Service Line Inventories in the 7th DWINSA Update

As the initial service line material inventory deadline passes, we’re examining the updated 7th DWINSA survey results for clues of what we might expect from this forthcoming data.

In this blog, Phil Cork investigates national trends and what we learned from these updated survey results.

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Get the lead out - and galvanized too while we’re at it!
Get the lead out - and galvanized too while we’re at it!
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How far will BIL dollars go in replacing lead lines across the country? An analysis of EPA’s Federal Fiscal Year 2024 allotments for lead line replacement
How far will BIL dollars go in replacing lead lines across the country? An analysis of EPA’s Federal Fiscal Year 2024 allotments for lead line replacement
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Digging into New York City’s Current Proposal to Replace Lead Pipes
Digging into New York City’s Current Proposal to Replace Lead Pipes
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Reading between the (lead pipe allotment) numbers: 2024 version
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President Biden and Freshwater
President Biden and Freshwater
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EPIC submits public comment on Lead and Copper Rule Improvements
EPIC submits public comment on Lead and Copper Rule Improvements
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President Biden Delivers on Promise to Replace All Toxic Lead Pipes
President Biden Delivers on Promise to Replace All Toxic Lead Pipes
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An Initial Analysis of EPA’s New State Funding Allotment for Lead Service Line Replacement
An Initial Analysis of EPA’s New State Funding Allotment for Lead Service Line Replacement
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Reading between the numbers: The ongoing story of toxic lead pipes
Reading between the numbers: The ongoing story of toxic lead pipes
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Biden-Harris Administration’s New State Funding Distribution for Replacing Lead Pipes Based on Highest Need
Biden-Harris Administration’s New State Funding Distribution for Replacing Lead Pipes Based on Highest Need
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123 – and growing: A national movement to replace toxic lead pipes
123 – and growing: A national movement to replace toxic lead pipes
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State SRF Policies to help Communities Fully Take Up the new Federal Funding for Lead Service Line Replacement
State SRF Policies to help Communities Fully Take Up the new Federal Funding for Lead Service Line Replacement
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EPIC Will Support Lead Service Line Replacement in 50 New Communities Over the Next Three Years
EPIC Will Support Lead Service Line Replacement in 50 New Communities Over the Next Three Years
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For Immediate Release: EPIC Releases a New Report to Guide Replacement of Toxic Lead Pipes Over Next Decade
For Immediate Release: EPIC Releases a New Report to Guide Replacement of Toxic Lead Pipes Over Next Decade
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Intersection of Technology and Water: Using Technology to Speed Up Lead Pipe Replacement
Intersection of Technology and Water: Using Technology to Speed Up Lead Pipe Replacement
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Lead-Free Water Challenge: What We Learned About How To Prepare Your Inventory Without Knowing Everything Yet
Lead-Free Water Challenge: What We Learned About How To Prepare Your Inventory Without Knowing Everything Yet
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What We Learned From Evaluating Drinking Water Funding & Why It’s Currently Too Hard to Effectively Track
What We Learned From Evaluating Drinking Water Funding & Why It’s Currently Too Hard to Effectively Track
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Lead-Free Water Challenge: What We Learned About Proactive Communications Around Lead Service Line Replacement
Lead-Free Water Challenge: What We Learned About Proactive Communications Around Lead Service Line Replacement
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EPIC participates in Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative meeting with mayors on water equity
EPIC participates in Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative meeting with mayors on water equity
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Lead-Free Water Challenge: What We Learned About Data Management and Lead Service Line Inventories
Lead-Free Water Challenge: What We Learned About Data Management and Lead Service Line Inventories
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EPIC Applauds EPA Guidance Urging Communities to Inventory and Replace Toxic Lead Pipes ‘As Soon as Possible’
EPIC Applauds EPA Guidance Urging Communities to Inventory and Replace Toxic Lead Pipes ‘As Soon as Possible’

Example of a service line tap card from a municipality in Massachusetts. Photo credit: EPIC

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Municipal Leaders: Integral to the success of lead pipe replacement in the United States
Municipal Leaders: Integral to the success of lead pipe replacement in the United States
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We need investment in physical infrastructure and digital infrastructure to quickly and equitably replace lead pipes.
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A policy role cities can play in replacing lead pipes faster and equitably
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EPIC Featured: EPA confirms filters reduce lead in Michigan city’s water
EPIC Featured: EPA confirms filters reduce lead in Michigan city’s water
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Echoing Newark: How American Cities Can Replicate Newark’s Success in Replacing Over 23,000 Lead Pipes in Under Three Years
Echoing Newark: How American Cities Can Replicate Newark’s Success in Replacing Over 23,000 Lead Pipes in Under Three Years
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For Immediate Release: Lead and Copper Rule Revisions Go into Effect Alongside Improvements; Policy Reform and Innovation Still Needed
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Baltimore Sun Op-Ed: A good use for infrastructure funds: removing toxic lead from our drinking water
Baltimore Sun Op-Ed: A good use for infrastructure funds: removing toxic lead from our drinking water
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How many lead pipes can we replace with new federal funding?
How many lead pipes can we replace with new federal funding?
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