Like most older cities, homes built before the 1980s were typically built with a lead service line—the pipe that connects the District's public water supply to your household plumbing. There are several programs for lead service line replacement, which are either initiated by DC Water or by the customer.
Check our map to see if you may have a lead service line.
DC Water-Initiated Lead Replacements
Each year, DC Water replaces lead service pipes in conjunction with other construction projects through our Capital Improvement Project and Emergency Repair Replacement (CIPERR) program. These include our small diameter water main (SDWM) and Block by Block projects, and emergency repair replacements. In addition, replacements are completed during District Department of Transportation (DDOT) projects.
DC Water will contact you if there are any planned projects in your neighborhood. You can also 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 properties where the owner completes a Right of Entry (ROE) agreement that authorizes DC Water to complete the replacement on private property. We strongly encourage property owners to take advantage of this opportunity so that we can replace the entire pipe at one time. Questions about planned projects or the Right of Entry agreement for these projects should be sent to lead@dcwater.com.
Customer-Initiated Lead Replacements
These programs help customers initiate the replacement of their water service line. Starting in October 2026, DC Water and the District Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) are streamlining the application process for programs that can help cover the cost of replacement.
Private-Side-Only Lead Replacements
Lead Pipe Replacement Assistance Program (LPRAP)
For residents with lead, galvanized or brass pipe on private property, and non-lead pipe in public space, the Lead Pipe Replacement Assistance Program (LPRAP) uses District and DC Water non-ratepayer funds if available to provide a free or discounted replacement. This program is managed jointly by DC Water and DOEE.
Criteria Includes:
- Water service line is lead, galvanized or brass on private property and non-lead in public space.
- Owner or authorized representative completes the application and agrees to contract with LPRAP contractor or approved contractor to perform the water service line replacement.
Full (Public and Private Side) Replacements
House by House Priority Full Replacement Program (HBH Priority Replacement)
For residents with lead or galvanized pipes on both private property and in public space who meet program criteria, the House by House Priority Full Replacement program provides a free water service line replacement. This program is primarily funded through federal funding such as Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) grants (private-side work) and DC Water's Capital Improvement Program (public-side work), subject to available funding.
Criteria includes:
- Water service line is lead or galvanized in public space and on private property.
- Owner or authorized representative completes the lead replacement application.
- Customer has a qualifying need (pregnant or nursing mother, children under 6, person with elevated blood lead level, elevated water lead levels, or licensed child development facilities).
- A leaking or broken lead or galvanized water service line on private property.
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. In the voluntary program, the property owner pays for work on private property. For more information, email lead@dcwater.com.
Criteria Includes:
- Water service line is lead or galvanized in public space and on private property.
- Owner contacts DC Water at lead@dcwater.com and agrees to pay for the cost of the replacement on the private property.
