Organization:
DC Department of Energy and the Environment (DOEE)
In the District, like in 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. It is now widely understood that a number of illnesses and injuries can be caused by lead exposure. The District Government recognizes this and in response Mayor Bowser signed legislation for two new lead water service line replacement programs that assist homes affected by this environmental hazard:
1. Full Lead Pipe Replacement
In October, 2019, the District transferred $1 million to DC Water to cover the complete cost of the lead water service pipe replacement on private property when DC Water replaces the portion of lead pipe in public space during a Capital Improvement Project (i.e., water main replacement).
NOTE: Customers do not need to apply to this program and DC Water will contact you if there are any planned projects in your neighborhood.
If both the public and private portions of the service line are lead and no capital improvement is scheduled for two years, property owners can enroll in the Voluntary Lead Service Pipe Replacement Program. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis and this program is subject to the availability of funding.
2. Private-side Partial Lead Pipe Replacements
In Fiscal Year 2020 (October 1, 2019 to September 30, 2020), the District has allocated $1.8 million dollars to provide assistance for the replacement of lead pipes on private property if the pipe in the public space is not lead. The Lead Pipe Replacement Assistance Program (LPRAP) uses District funds to assist with eligible property owner’s lead pipe replacement. Each property owner can receive 50% of their costs covered (up to $2,500), regardless of income. Some residents will qualify for 80% or 100% assistance depending on household size and income.
NOTE: DO NOT START WORK until your application has been approved and you have received a benefit confirmation letter. DO NOT pay a deposit to the contractor.
Application: The determine your eligibility, search your address at https://www.dcwater.com/leadmap. If your private side pipes are lead but the public spaces pipes are not, you are eligible for this program.
Apply online, through email, or the mail.
To apply, pictures or scans of the following documents are required:
Household’s most recent DC Water bill;
Property owner’s photo identification;
Proof of property ownership; and
Proof of income for each member of the household (if seeking approval for the income-eligible program).
