The LPRAP Program in Washington D.C.
Working with the Lead Pipe Replacement Program
DC Water offers several programs designed to address the issue of lead service lines, which were commonly used in homes built before the 1980s. These lead service lines connect the city's water supply to household plumbing and can pose a health risk if lead leaches into the drinking water.
There are two primary types of programs available to homeowners for lead service line replacement in Washington, D.C.:
- DC Water-Initiated Programs:
These programs are typically part of efforts led by DC Water itself. The utility may replace lead service lines proactively, especially if they are found during routine maintenance, infrastructure upgrades, or water system improvement projects. The initiative is part of the broader commitment to reduce lead exposure and improve public health. - Customer-Initiated Programs:
Homeowners can also request replacement of lead service lines. If a homeowner believes their property still has a lead service line, they can apply for the replacement program. Depending on the program's guidelines, this might involve some level of financial assistance or covering part of the costs.
DC Water will cover the cost of replacing the lead service line, at no expense to the homeowner.
Both types of programs are part of a broader strategy by DC Water to eliminate lead from the water supply and ensure safe drinking water for residents. To participate, homeowners typically need to contact DC Water directly or check for eligibility and application procedures on their website.
APPROVED LPRAP CONTRACTOR for the District of Columbia
The Lead Service Team
Working Toward a Lead Free DC
Working Toward a Lead Free DC
We've replaced lead services for over 200 DC families
Working Toward a Lead Free DC
Working Toward a Lead Free DC
Working Toward a Lead Free DC
Horizontal Directional Drilling reduces environmental impact
When We're Done
Working Toward a Lead Free DC
When We're Done
You Should Hardly Know We Were There
Lead in your water pipes? You've come to the right place!
About Lead Exposure
About the LPRAP Program
About the LPRAP Program
We know that lead exposure is a major contributor to illness and an environmental hazard. Learn more about lead exposure:
CDC https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/default.htm
EPA
https://www.epa.gov/lead/learn-about-lead
WHO
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/lead-poisoning-and-health
NIH
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/lead/index.cfm
About the LPRAP Program
About the LPRAP Program
About the LPRAP Program
DC Water is actively working to reduce lead in the water supply both in public piping and in private residences through the Lead Pipe Replacement Assistance Program.
This program allows DC Water to use city funds to seek out and provide 100 % financial assistance for homeowners to replace their lead water services. The LPRAP program empowe
DC Water is actively working to reduce lead in the water supply both in public piping and in private residences through the Lead Pipe Replacement Assistance Program.
This program allows DC Water to use city funds to seek out and provide 100 % financial assistance for homeowners to replace their lead water services. The LPRAP program empowers DC Water to work directly with approved contractors to take the effort, as well as the financial burden, off the plate of homeowners.
Want to learn more about the program? Check out DOEE's FAQ here.
Assistance is available
About the LPRAP Program
Assistance is available
You qualify for assistance if you have lead in your private-side water service but not in the public-side service (if the source of the lead in your water is on private property).
You can check to see if your property might have lead pipes here.
District funds will now pay 100% of the cost of replacing your pipes.
Homeowners interested i
You qualify for assistance if you have lead in your private-side water service but not in the public-side service (if the source of the lead in your water is on private property).
You can check to see if your property might have lead pipes here.
District funds will now pay 100% of the cost of replacing your pipes.
Homeowners interested in assistance will be asked to provide proof of property ownership. Apply for assistance today!
Lead Pipe Replacement Project Timeline
You've learned you have lead pipes - what next?
Many homeowners in DC learn about the presence of lead in their water service when they are notified by DC Water. Homeowners can check also for the potential presence of lead with this interactive map of DC's water lines.
Apply for LPRAP assistance
Homeowners can apply for assistance through DC Water's partner DOEE. You'll be prompted to provide proof of property ownership and proof of income. Access the online application here, or print out a paper version to submit via mail. Once your application is accepted and processed, DOEE will send you notification that you are approved.
Select a contractor
DC Water has a list of Approved Contractors, including Ben's Plumbing, who can complete LPRAP projects. Contact us to schedule a free estimate for your project with Ben. During your estimate visit, Ben will take measurements to determine how much pipe needs replacement, photo-document his measurements for DC Water, and provide you with a written estimate for your project.
Project permitting and scheduling
If you accept Ben's estimate for your project, you'll then enter the permitting stage. First, we'll put together a cost proposal application for DC Water, and send it to you for electronic signature. Once you sign the document, we'll submit it to DC Water on your behalf. LPRAP cost proposals are normally approved within a week. Once approved, you'll receive an official benefit confirmation letter detailing the project costs. We then acquire the necessary parking and construction permits - this process normally takes 4 - 6 weeks.
Once all the permits are secure, we'll reach out to you to schedule your project!
On-site work
Your pipe replacement will likely take one day to complete. Ben and his crew will arrive around 8am, and will work until late afternoon. You can expect about one hour mid-day without water. You can expect Ben to provide a professional job, including restoration of dig site.
Invoicing and Payment
DC Water requires us to complete a reimbursement request for your project. We'll send you a copy of our payment request to electronically sign approximately one week after your project. Once you sign this document, DC Water will pay us, and your project is complete!