Like most older cities, homes built before the 1980's were typically built with a lead service line—the pipe that connects the city water supply to your household plumbing. DC Water operates several programs for lead service line replacement. The programs are either initiated by DC Water or by the customer. Read below to find out more about the programs and determine which would be right for you.
Check our map for information about the material of your service pipe.
DC Water Initiated Lead Replacements
Each year, DC Water replaces lead service pipes in conjunction with other construction projects including small diameter water main replacement projects (SDWM) and Capital Improvement Project and Emergency Repair Replacement (CIPERR) Block by Block projects. These projects include water main replacements, emergency repairs and District Department of Transportation (DDOT) projects. DC Water will contact you if there are any planned projects in your neighborhood. You can check to see when work may be scheduled for your block on our Construction Dashboard.
During these projects, replacement on private property is FREE for all residents—regardless of income. We strongly encourage property owners to take advantage of this opportunity so that we can replace the entire lead pipe at one time. Questions about planned projects or the replacement agreement for these projects should be sent to lead@dcwater.com.
Customer-Initiated Lead Replacements
DC Water offers two programs to help customers replace their lead service lines: private-side-only replacements and voluntary full replacements. These programs allow customers who wish to replace their lead service with assistance from DC Water.
Private-Side-Only Lead Replacements
For residents with lead pipe on private property, and non-lead pipe in public space, the Lead Pipe Replacement Assistance Program (LPRAP) uses District funds to provide a free or discounted replacement.
ALL homeowners enrolled in the program will receive a 100% discount on their private service line replacement paid for with a combination of Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) and federal funds. Eligible property owners can apply through DOEE.
If your private side pipes are lead but the public spaces pipes are not, you are eligible for this program. Property owners can apply with the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE).
Voluntary Full Lead Replacements
If both the public and private portions of the service line are lead and no capital improvement projects are planned for the neighborhood, customers can enroll in the Voluntary Replacement Program. Similar to replacement during DC Water initiated construction projects, DC Water will pay for all work in public space and coordinate work so both portions are replaced at the same time. The property owner pays for work on private property. For more information visit the voluntary lead service replacement page, or email lead@dcwater.com.
