If you live in a home built before 1986, there is a very real chance that the pipe connecting your house to the street is made of lead. For decades, this has been a known health risk, managed by water companies adding chemicals to coat the pipes and prevent lead from leaching into your drinking water.

The federal government has decided that managing the risk is no longer enough. It's time to eliminate it.

In late 2024, the EPA finalized its strictest-ever mandate: the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI). This directive requires water utilities across the country to identify and replace every single lead service line within 10 years, starting in late 2027.

This is one of the biggest infrastructure projects in U.S. history. Here is what it means for you as a homeowner in 2026.

1. Have You Received Your Letter? (The Inventory Phase)

Before pipes can be replaced, they must be found. By October 2024, every water utility was required to submit an initial inventory of their service lines and notify customers.

By now, in 2026, you should have received a letter from your water provider telling you one of three things about your service line:

It is confirmed Lead.
It is Galvanized pipe that was once downstream of lead (which still needs replacement).
Its material is Unknown.

If your status is "Unknown," expect your water utility to contact you for an inspection. They may need to enter your basement or dig a small test hole at your curb to identify the pipe material.

What to do now: If you haven't received a notice, go to your water utility's website. Most large cities are required to have a public, searchable map of service line materials.

2. Is Replacement Mandatory for Private Homes?

Yes. The new rule is a mandate, not a suggestion.

A major hurdle in the past was that water utilities only owned the "public" part of the pipe under the street, while the homeowner owned the "private" part from the curb to the house. This led to "partial replacements," which were ineffective and sometimes dangerous.

The new EPA rule closes this loophole. It requires water systems to replace the entire service line, from the main in the street all the way to the meter inside your home. If the utility has legal or physical access to your property, they are required to replace the line.

As a homeowner, you will be asked to sign a "right-of-entry" form to allow crews onto your property to do the work. Cooperating is essential to getting the lead out of your system.

3. The Big Question: Who Pays for It?

This is the best news for homeowners. In almost all cases under this new federal program, you will not have to pay for the replacement.

A private service line replacement can cost between $5,000 and $15,000. Recognizing that this is unaffordable for most families, the federal government passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, allocating $15 billion specifically for lead pipe replacement.

No Direct Cost: Municipal programs funded by these federal grants are designed to replace both the public and private portions of the line at zero cost to the homeowner at the time of service.
Not Taxable Income: The IRS has clarified that having your lead pipe replaced for free through one of these government programs does not count as taxable income for you.

While some experts worry about long-term funding gaps that could eventually affect water rates, the current programs are set up to remove the immediate financial burden from individual property owners.

4. What Happens During and After Replacement?

The Process: The replacement is typically done using "trenchless" methods, which involve pulling a new copper or plastic pipe through the old path, minimizing digging in your yard. The water will be off for a few hours to a full day.
After Care: This is critical. Disturbing the pipes can temporarily release loose lead particles. Your utility will provide you with instructions on how to perform a "full-house flush" by running all your taps for roughly 30 minutes. They will also provide you with a filter pitcher to use for drinking and cooking water for the next six months while the new pipes settle in.

Conclusion

The new EPA rule is a massive step forward for public health, finally addressing a toxic legacy hidden under our lawns. While the idea of mandatory construction can be stressful, the program is designed to be as painless as possible for homeowners—financially and physically.

Your job right now is simple: Check your mail for notices, cooperate with utility inspections, and sign the forms to get your free replacement scheduled. It’s a temporary inconvenience for a permanent upgrade to your home's safety and value.

Concerned about your home's pipes and can't wait for the city? Contact our licensed team for a private inspection and consultation.

[1]: EPA's Final Lead and Copper Rule Improvements Technical Fact Sheet: Summary of Benefits and Costs

[2]: EPA Issues Final Lead and Copper Rule Improvements with Far Reaching Lead Pipe Replacement Mandates - Beveridge & Diamond

[3]: Understanding New Lead and Copper Rule Requirements for Local Governments