Just about ten years ago, in April 2014, the city of Flint, Michigan made a budget decision that created a ripple of public health effects within the city and across the United States. When water pumped from the Flint River was treated with chlorine to combat high bacteria levels, the water utility failed to add federally required anti-corrosive agents. As lead leached out of the city’s pipes, fixtures, and fittings, residents quickly began reporting health issues.
The resulting public health crisis continues to serve as a sobering reminder that lead service lines are more than outdated infrastructure – they pose a lurking health hazard.
A decade later, the status of lead service lines across the USA is mixed. Awareness leads to action, and some municipalities have already undertaken the large-scale process of identifying and replacing lead components. Yet in many parts of the country, just creating an inventory of existing lead service lines seems too daunting a task, and efforts lag behind.
In November 2023, the White House announced the Get the Lead Out initiative – a program designed to accelerate lead service line replacement efforts in communities nationwide. The initiative is aimed at helping underserved municipalities identify and replace lead service lines.
The federal deadline to identify and inventory lead service lines was October 16, 2024. Current EPA goals include making all American water service lines lead-free within the next decade. This aggressive goal is supported in part by federal funding available to municipalities that meet the necessary criteria.
Team EJP has step-by-step solutions available to water utilities facing down the lead service line replacement deadline. We have experienced professionals devoted to the services you need, like project budgeting and planning, GIS mapping, and tie card scanning. We offer an extensive array of replacement pipe and other materials, including the Service Line Puller Kit from New Concept Tools. Team EJP is here to support the nationwide goal of “getting the lead out” and creating safe water distribution for all Americans.
How can we help? We’re glad you asked. Each of Team EJP's devoted waterworks sister companies represents a pillar of support in the lead service line replacement process. When it's time to consider replacement products and specialty field services. Team EJP is the ideal partner, a trustworthy ally for waterworks professionals with the most comprehensive service department in the business and a full range of all the specialized products you need.
Rest easier knowing that Team EJP has a full-time, on-call service department. Waterworks can be an unpredictable industry, and water emergencies demand fast response. Team EJP has the trucks, equipment, and experienced personnel needed to help you in a pinch.
Our team is ready to perform scheduled field service, too. Replacing lead service lines can require extra upgrades. For example, various parts of a service line could be impacted, requiring the installation of a new tap or connection, removal and replacement of a corporation stop, and so on. Old lead service lines in smaller diameters may need to be replaced with a larger new pipe, and Team EJP has the pipes and the personnel needed to get that job done!
We offer a full range of all the specialized products you need, including:
- Copper or CTS Tubing (depending upon municipality recommendations)
- Service Brass
- Tapping Tools
- Tapping Sleeves
Our team is ready to help support your waterworks utility with expert service and industry-leading products, so don't delay - contact Team EJP today!
