The replacement of lead water service lines has become one of the most important public infrastructure initiatives of the decade. Across the United States, cities and utilities are working to identify and remove legacy lead components from drinking water systems, a task driven by evolving regulations, growing funding opportunities, and increasing public health awareness.
Let’s explore the current lead pipe replacement regulations, funding and compliance requirements, and outline what utilities should consider as they plan large-scale replacement projects.
Lead pipes were widely used in water systems throughout the early 20th century for their malleability and durability. However, as understanding of lead’s health effects grew, the material was banned for new installations in 1986.
Even so, millions of lead service lines remain active today. As these pipes corrode, lead can leach into drinking water, posing risks of developmental delays, cardiovascular problems, and other health impacts. For this reason, the federal government has made the complete removal of lead from public and private service lines a national priority.
Lead removal can be a complex task, and it’s governed by a wide range of regulatory structures. From the federal government to local regulations and funding considerations, utilities have a lot to consider when looking to replace outdated pipes.
The EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR), issued in 2021, set a new baseline for identifying and managing lead in drinking water. These revisions require every community water system to:
In 2023, the EPA introduced the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) proposal, which aims to accelerate full lead service line replacement nationwide. Under this rule, most systems will need to replace all lead service lines within ten years once the rule is finalized.
Together, these measures establish a clear regulatory expectation: lead must be removed completely and permanently from drinking water infrastructure.
Federal funding is available through multiple programs, most notably:
However, how and when those funds are used depends heavily on regional priorities and project readiness. Here’s what we’re seeing across the country.
In some Midwestern states, portions of federal infrastructure funding have recently been redirected toward wastewater improvements, temporarily slowing lead replacement programs. But these shifts don’t reflect reduced commitment; once wastewater projects reach completion, lead replacement funding is expected to rebound.
In the Southwest, several municipalities have recently gained new engineering approvals and project specifications that clear the way for accelerated lead service line work. After years of preparation, these approvals signal growing readiness to execute replacement programs at scale.
The Northwest and West Coast regions face a different challenge: logistical costs. Local foundries and manufacturers can sometimes provide shorter lead times and lower shipping costs, making regionally sourced materials more common. Meanwhile, in California and the Mountain West, states are placing additional emphasis on sustainability and materials performance in high-temperature or high-seismic areas.
In the Southeast and Northeast, where water infrastructure tends to be older, many cities are moving forward with active replacement programs. These areas have seen strong momentum as utilities pair lead pipe replacement with roadwork, paving, or other infrastructure improvements to minimize disruption and cost.
Collectively, these regional dynamics show that while federal regulations are uniform, implementation is highly localized. Utilities that monitor funding cycles, maintain project readiness, and secure technical approvals in advance are best positioned to move quickly as funding becomes available.
The cost of replacing lead service lines can vary widely depending on geography, soil conditions, and infrastructure layout.
Utilities can reduce costs by coordinating projects with other infrastructure upgrades and by selecting materials that are durable, compliant, and efficient to install. Long-lasting access components, such as valve boxes, curb boxes, and meter pits minimize future maintenance and ensure that replacement work complies with BABA and AIS standards required for federal funding.
While upfront costs can vary, utilities consistently report lower lifetime maintenance expenses and faster project approvals when using fully compliant, U.S.-made access systems. By investing once in quality and compliance, utilities reduce long-term disruption, documentation issues, and total cost of ownership.
The success of a lead service line replacement program depends not only on removing old materials, but also on rebuilding systems with components that meet regulatory and operational standards. Here are some key considerations when selecting the ideal replacement solution:
Projects using federal funds must source materials that meet both BABA and AIS requirements. Selecting U.S.-made products ensures both compliance and consistent quality.
Access solutions built from cast iron or engineered plastics provide the longevity and resilience needed to support decades of reliable service. For example, cast iron valve boxes can last more than 100 years, while modern composite and ABS plastics reduce corrosion and simplify handling.
Lightweight, high-strength materials such as combination cast iron and plastic designs improve worker safety by reducing lifting strain and enabling faster installations. Many utilities now specify these hybrid solutions to balance strength with ease of use.
Recyclable materials and sustainable manufacturing practices are increasingly part of procurement requirements. Many modern access solutions are designed for full recyclability, aligning with the broader sustainability goals of public works departments.
Replacing lead lines is only one step in meeting federal requirements. Utilities must also:
Working with a manufacturer experienced in regulatory compliance streamlines this process. Bingham & Taylor’s engineering and sales teams collaborate directly with utilities and engineering firms to ensure your chosen products meet all required specifications before installation begins.
This proactive approach minimizes delays, reduces administrative burden, and ensures every project meets the highest standards of quality and safety.
Bingham & Taylor’s access solutions are already installed in thousands of municipal systems nationwide, proven to perform under the most demanding field conditions. This track record gives utilities confidence that every product meets the same high standards of durability and compliance.
Lead pipe replacement is more than a regulatory necessity. It’s a generational investment in public health and sustainable infrastructure. As utilities replace outdated materials with safer alternatives, the focus must remain on quality, compliance, and durability.
With 175 years of American manufacturing expertise, Bingham & Taylor continues to lead in producing compliant, high-performance access solutions for the water and gas industries. Whether your application requires cast iron, Bison™ ABS plastic, standard ABS plastic, or CIP (cast iron + plastic) systems, our products deliver the strength, safety, and reliability required for the next century of service.
Partner with Bingham & Taylor to ensure your next lead replacement project meets every compliance standard and stands the test of time.
Let’s ensure your next lead service line project is compliant, durable, and built to last.
Connect with your regional sales manager who can review your specifications with our engineering team and product specialists to identify the most effective access solutions for your region.