Getting Started
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Local elected officials and community leaders should start by contacting the local water utility to ask whether a proactive initiative for full lead service line (LSL) replacement is underway in the community. A useful first step could also include contacting local experts at nearby consulting engineering firms, neighboring water utilities, and colleges or universities (e.g. in the environmental engineering department) for information about LSL replacement. 

Water utilities in the process of planning a proactive LSL replacement initiative or reviewing ways to accelerate an existing initiative, will find it useful to engage local leaders, state agencies, and others early to get their perspectives and expertise. Additionally, local elected officials or water utilities could form an advisory group to discuss options and/or an internal team to help coordinate the planning process. ​

In getting started, people may not initially agree on whether and/or how to implement a full LSL replacement initiative. 

Local advocacy groups and community organizers can be key partners 

“We had a dedicated Department of Public Works and a community accustomed to advocating for itself. With the funding, we had everything we needed. I see our role as creating inertia. We helped the city see this was doable.” 

Read more on this case example from Chelsea, MA.

Some community members or public officials may place a priority on moving ahead aggressively, whereas others will have questions or concerns. ​​A collaborative process that engages all voices in the community with respect for different perspectives will help to ensure everyone is on the same page and working together towards a common goal.

​Important steps and considerations for securing community-wide commitment both within local government and with the public include:

1. Scoping
2. Identifying Partners
3. Building Consensus
4. Making Decisions

​Continue  to:
Scoping