How to Apply for the Lead Pipe Replacement Assistance Program

To qualify for LPRAP, D.C., homeowners must meet the following conditions:

• Location: The property must be situated within the District of Columbia.
• Pipe composition: The private portion of the service line should be made of lead, galvanized steel, or brass, while the public portion should be free of lead.

Homeowners can verify their eligibility by using DC Water’s Lead Map to check the materials of their service lines.

Once you’ve verified your eligibility, you can apply for the program through one of the following methods:

• Online: Complete the application form available on the Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) website.
• Email: Send the filled application and required documents to leadline.replacement@dc.gov
• Mail: Submit the application and documentation to:
  DOEE
  Attn: Lead Pipe Replacement Assistance Program
  1200 First Street NE, 5th Floor
  Washington, DC 20002

You’ll need to provide the following documents:

• Recent DC Water bill: A copy of the household’s most recent bill.
• Photo identification: Valid ID of the property owner.
• Proof of property ownership: Documents such as the deed or mortgage statement.
• Income verification: Proof of income for each household member, if applying for income-based assistance.

The program offers varying levels of financial assistance:

• Standard assistance: Covers at least 50% of the replacement costs, up to $2,500.
• Income-qualified assistance: Eligible households may receive up to 100% coverage of replacement costs.

After applying:

• Review: DOEE evaluates the application and determines the level of assistance.
• Notification: You’ll receive information about your eligibility for assistance and a list of approved contractors.
• Contractor selection: You choose a contractor from the approved list to perform the replacement.
• Proposal submission: The selected contractor submits a proposal, signed by you, to DC Water for approval.
• Confirmation: Upon approval, DOEE sends a confirmation letter outlining the next steps.

The duration from application submission to project completion can vary based on factors such as application volume, contractor availability, and specific project requirements. Applicants are advised to maintain communication with DOEE and their selected contractor to receive updates and ensure a smooth process.

What to Expect During Lead Pipe Replacement

Knowing what to expect during the lead pipe replacement process can help you prepare for the necessary changes.

How Long Does Lead Pipe Replacement Take?

The duration of lead pipe replacement varies based on the complexity of the project and the specific circumstances of the property. DC Water’s lead service line replacement work typically takes approximately 1-2 days.

Will There Be Disruptions to My Water Service?

Yes, your water service will temporarily be disrupted during the replacement process. These interruptions are generally short-term, lasting only as long as necessary to complete the replacement work. DC Water aims to minimize water service disruptions during its lead service line replacement projects.

Additional Considerations

• Notification: You’ll typically receive advance notice about the scheduled replacement work, giving you time to prepare and make necessary arrangements.
• Preparation: Clear the area around the water service line ahead of time to facilitate the work and ensure everyone’s safety.
• Post-replacement: After the replacement, it’s recommended that you flush your plumbing system to remove any residual materials.

Costs and Financial Assistance for Lead Pipe Replacement

The costs associated with replacing lead pipes can vary significantly based on factors such as the length of the pipe, the complexity of the installation, and regional labor rates. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $2,000 and $15,000 for a full replacement.

LPRAP in Washington, D.C., offers significant support to help offset those costs. All District homeowners are eligible for a minimum of 50% coverage of the replacement costs, up to $2,500. Income-qualified households may receive up to 100% coverage. Additionally, DC Water provides a 100% discount on the replacement of lead pipes on private property for eligible homeowners.

At the federal level, the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure bill allocated $15 billion over five years to replace lead pipes and service lines across the United States. This funding aims to address the public health and economic benefits of removing lead from drinking water systems.