A lead-pipe program cannot jump from hundreds of replacements to thousands without first expanding the workforce and contracting system behind every excavation.
William Elledge, director of Capital Water and Lead Free DC at DC Water, says the utility is working through an estimated 41,157 lead service lines. Its annual replacement capacity has grown from a few hundred lines to more than 4,000 planned this year.
Reaching that scale required new contracting mechanisms and extensive outreach to construction companies. DC Water worked with local firms as they expanded their capacity while also recruiting contractors from outside the region.
The program is creating jobs beyond the excavation crews. Residents hired to conduct door-to-door outreach are helping neighbors understand the program and complete the steps needed to replace their pipes.
The lesson from Washington is that scaling lead service line replacement requires building an entire local system around the work—from contractors and community partners to trusted neighborhood messengers.
DC Water is one of 16 honorees recognized by the Lead Service Line Replacement Collaborative. Learn more: https://www.lslr-collaborative.org/honoring-excellence-in-lsl-replacement.html
Content supported by Environmental Defense Fund, RESOLVE, and Environmental Policy Innovation Center.
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