DPU outlines lead service‑line inventory and pivots to block‑by‑block replacement to meet upcoming federal requirements

The Department of Public Utilities told the Government Operations Standing Committee that Richmond is accelerating work to identify and remove lead service lines and will pivot to a pilot block‑by‑block replacement strategy as federal and state regulatory changes tighten requirements and grant rules.

Laura Bender Nagel, deputy director of DPU, briefed the committee on the program’s regulatory drivers, inventory status, outreach efforts and funding constraints. She said DPU’s corrosion‑control program treats water at the plant to reduce lead leaching and that Richmond’s water leaves the treatment plant without lead; the primary concern is lead in buried service lines between the main and private plumbing. Under the lead and copper rule revisions (LCRR) and anticipated lead and copper rule improvements (LCRI), water systems must develop inventories and remove lead service lines under waterworks control; the committee heard that LCRI requires expanded work, new sampling, and a lower action level (from 15 parts per billion to 10 parts per billion) beginning with regulatory phases in 2027 and removal completion by 2037.

Bender Nagel said DPU has…