Replacing a lead pipe often begins with a resident trusting the people asking for permission to work at their home.
Sandy Kutzing, lead and copper strategy leader at CDM Smith, says the company has helped remove more than 70,000 complete lead service lines and inventoried over five million service lines nationwide.
But identifying and excavating pipes is only part of the work. Residents must understand how lead can enter drinking water, why replacement matters and what they need to do to participate.
CDM Smith works with water systems to identify neighborhood leaders and community groups that residents already know and trust. Those local voices can explain the program, address concerns and help households sign up for replacement.
That approach is particularly important when utilities need access to private property or when residents face confusing information about costs and eligibility.
The country’s lead pipe challenge will not be solved by construction capacity alone. Reaching every home will also require credible messengers who can turn a utility program into action at the neighborhood level.
Sandy Kutzing is one of 16 honorees recognized by the Lead Service Line Replacement Collaborative. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e8sKJvBc
Content supported by Environmental Defense Fund, RESOLVE, and Environmental Policy Innovation Center.
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