DC Water contractor replacing lead pipes at a DC rowhouse.

by Cesse Ip

Last year, DC Water estimated that the city had 28,000 service lines with lead pipes. In 2019, DC Water launched the Lead Free DC initiative to remove all lead services lines by 2030. The last time that Petworth News wrote about this initiative in 2016, residents were responsible for the cost of replacing the water lines on their property in all scenarios.

Now, DC Water has programs in place to make the cost of replacement either free or discounted to residents. If you haven’t replaced your pipes and you need to, it’s the right time to get it taken care of.

Here are the steps you should take:

Go to the DC Water lead pipe map and see if your pipes are listed as lead, unknown or replaced with copper. You will find information about what the public side pipes are made from, and what your private side pipes are made from.

The type of information you’ll find on the DC Water lead map.

Note on the map: DC Water admits the map is not 100% correct for all lead designations. If the icon on the address is green, the pipes have definitely been updated. If the icon is white or grey, it’s a “maybe or most likely” that they are still lead service pipes. This is due to inaccurate historical data in the system.)

Then, there are three ways to get the pipes replaced:

A Capital Improvement Project with lead pipes in public and private space.

Capital Improvement Project and Emergency Repair Replacement
Use this when both the public and private pipes are lead. DC Water-initiated replacements during planned capital improvement work like water main replacements and emergency repairs.

DC Water pays for 100% of public-side costs. The District pays for 100% of private-side replacement costs. If your street is part of this, DC Water will contact you and your neighbors.

Questions about planned projects or the replacement agreement for these projects should be sent to lead@dcwater.com.

Non-lead pipe in the public space, lead pipe known (or assumed) in the private space.

Lead Pipe Replacement Assistance Program
When the public pipe is non-lead, but the private pipe is lead. DC Water co-administers the program with the District Department of Energy and the Environment. The District pays for 50% to 100% of private-side replacement costs based on household income. The DC government will cover 50% of costs up to $2,500.

In this scenario, the customer must initiate the replacement. Apply online and include your DC Water bill, a photo ID, proof of property ownership, and proof of income if you qualify for assistance.

Once DC Water approves your application, you must contact a contractor on the Approved List. The contractor will provide you with a cost proposal which you then submit to DC Water. Once your application with the Department of Energy and Environment has been approved, the Cost Proposal has been approved by DC Water, and you have received a benefit confirmation letter… THEN you may start work.

Lead pipes in both public and private spaces, but is not a planned capital improvement. DC Water pays for the public, the resident pays for the private space.

Voluntary Full Replacement Program
When both the public and private pipes are lead, but there are no capital improvements planned for this area. DC Water will pay for all work in public space, but unfortunately, in this scenario, residents are responsible for 100% of costs on their property line. However, DC Water has recommended that the District fund all service line replacement work on private property because of the glaring difference between the VFRP and LPRAP program. Stay tuned for an update from DC Water.

For more information on lead pipe replacements from DC Water, email lead@dcwater.com.