D.C. Water and Sewer Authority (WASA) officials announced that approximately 800 public space lead service pipes located throughout the city will be replaced this year to reduce potential exposure to lead in drinking water. As part of its ongoing Lead Service Replacement Program, WASA will dig test pits to locate and confirm existing lead pipes and, once confirmed, will replace the pipes in public space, followed by replacement of lead pipes on private property when authorized by the owner. WASA will provide occupants with water sampling kits and instructions for free testing to determine the effectiveness of the replacement.

"Lead service pipe replacement is a top priority for WASA and we are committed to this and all other efforts to improve the quality of drinking water in the city’s neighborhoods," said Jerry Johnson, WASA general manager. "To help expedite the process, we have also incorporated lead service pipe replacement as a component of other major WASA improvement projects."

Temporary water service shut-off may occur as necessary to replace the old service pipe. However, affected property owners will be notified at least 48 hours in advance and service interruptions will be kept to a minimum, normally lasting no more than four hours.

To facilitate construction, street lane closures are required, however traffic will be safely maintained. Parking lanes adjacent to affected locations will be temporarily closed with proper notification 72 hours in advance. Sidewalks will be partially barricaded when work is being performed in the tree space. WASA will restore affected sidewalks, roadways and tree space areas after construction is completed.

To effectively address the high priority assigned this effort, WASA has accelerated its normal construction contracting schedule and anticipates additional contracts will be initiated throughout 2004.

The lead service pipe replacements are being funded in part through grant funds received through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Safe Drinking Water Act grants program as well as through WASA's Water System Capital Improvement Program.

A listing of the blocks scheduled for replacement of lead services under this contract, 2004-1, is available on the Authority’s website at www.dcwasa.com under Lead Information Update. Maps of the areas designated for pipe replacement may be viewed at the Martin Luther King, Jr. library. WASA has also made lead information and materials available in city libraries and community centers.