Lead Service Line Replacement Funding Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Read the answers to eight LSLR Funding Program Frequently Asked Questions.

How to Apply

Eligible applicants can submit the Lead Service Line Replacement Program Application packages (see the “Application for Lead Service Line Funding” appendix of the DWSRF Policy) via the Financial Assistance Application Submittal Tool (FAAST)

It is recommended that applicants use the Division of Drinking Water (DDW) inventory template that contains the minimum information required to comply with the LCRR. The inventory template can be used as a deliverable under an inventory project or as part of the application for a replacement project.

Eligible Entities

Community water systems and non-profit non-community water systems.

Funding Eligibility

Water systems serving disadvantaged communities are eligible to receive up to 100% principal forgiveness. Water systems serving non-disadvantaged communities are eligible to receive loan at zero percent (0%) interest rate. Loan funding agreements to non-disadvantaged community water systems may include the possibility of PF for work done in a disadvantaged community within the service area, depending on the demand for funding.

Project Eligibility

All projects funded under the LSLR funding program must comply with all DWSRF eligibility requirements. Replacement of a lead service line must replace the entire lead service line, not just a portion, unless a portion has already been replaced, is concurrently being replaced with another funding source, or an exception applies.

Some examples of eligible projects and activities include the following:

• Complete removal of lead service lines (public and privately owned portion) and Galvanized Required Replacement (GRR).
• Removal of lead or galvanized goosenecks, pigtails, and connectors.
• Replacement of curb stops, curb stop boxes, and other service line appurtenances that are removed as part of full LSLR.
• Site restoration, including landscaping, sidewalks, driveways, etc. if the removal was necessary to replace the lead service line.
• Permit fees if the fees are normal, required, and specific to the LSLR.
• Temporary pitcher filters or point-of-use (POU) devices certified by an American National Standards Institute accredited certifier to reduce lead during or for a short time period after LSLR projects.
• Development or updating of lead service line inventories, including locating and mapping lead service lines.
• Methods of investigation to develop inventories could include visual observation, water quality sampling (non-compliance), excavation, vacuum or hydro-excavation, statistical analysis, or other emerging technologies.
• Planning and design for infrastructure projects listed above.
• Non-routine lead sampling (if not for compliance purposes) as part of a LSLR project.

Lead Service Line Inventory Technical Assistance

The Division of Financial Assistance is currently accepting technical assistance (TA) requests to help eligible water systems with completing the LSL Inventory. Priority is given to small, disadvantaged communities. Once a TA Request Form is received, staff will review it for eligibility. If eligible, the TA request will be provided to a TA provider. Assistance will be provided to help eligible water systems maintain compliance with the November 1, 2027 Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) deadline for completing their baseline inventories.

Archive

• Lead Service Line Inventory Contracting Services Listening Session
  Notices: English | Spanish
  Presentation | Recording
• Lead Service Line Funding and Technical Assistance Q&A Session
  Notices: English | Spanish
  Presentation | Recording