​Beginning in October 2024, public water systems must notify persons served by a service line that is lead, galvanized requiring replacement or lead status unknown in anticipation of a disturbance to the service line that results in the water to an individual service line being shut-off or bypassed.

Disturbances include activities as small as closing a valve on the service line or setting a meter and vary by the extent of the disturbance.  Disturbances include full and partial LSL replacement and replacement of a lead connector, gooseneck or pigtail.

Communication with the customer is to occur prior to disturbance.  When notification occurs after the fact, e.g., emergency repairs and activities that lead to service line valve being turned off, then it is to occur before the lead or galvanized pipe requiring replacement is returned to service.
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Specific information to be conveyed include as appropriate:
  1. Information on potential risks posed by lead in water
  2. Instructions for flushing procedures following construction
  3. Opportunity to replace lead service line or connectors not owned by the water system

​When a full or partial LSL replacement or in-line meter changeout occurs then a pitcher filter and a six-month supply of filters must also be provided in addition to the required communication.
Opportunities to Accelerate Replacement
​Unlike the regular notices, these special notices call on – but do not require – households to take specific actions such as deciding whether or not to make the investment in fully replacing the LSL.
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Communities may consider:
  • Having water system replace lead connectors, goosenecks, or pigtails when encountered even where they are not owned by the system.
  • Sharing notice language with local/state health departments for awareness and creating a process for residents receiving notices to reach out to health department staff or their primary care provider for additional information.
  • Thinking ahead about how to communicate about unknowns.
  • Supplementing required notices with additional outreach where lead or galvanized service line replacements are anticipated.
  • Taking steps to better understand whether unknown service lines are likely to be LSLs or galvanized service lines requiring replacement.
  • Community dialogue to minimize the number of partial replacements that leave lead or galvanized pipe in place on the customer’s property.
  • Securing funding to reduce the burden on customers with limited access to resources needed to pay for full replacement in order to avoid disparities in participation.
  • Strategies to reach non-English speaking neighborhoods, including working through community organizations.
  • Leveraging multiple communication vehicles (e.g. mailers, email, robocalls, community listservs, neighborhood association meetings) to notify customers in advance of replacement opportunities. 
Resources