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Lead Service Line Replacement
The City of Wilmington is implementing a Lead Service Line Replacement Program to replace lead lines in coordination with scheduled capital programs throughout the City water service area. The program has the following objectives:
- Replace lead service lines at no direct cost to customers during the City's scheduled Capital Improvement Programs with the Small Water Main Replacement Program.
- Provide incentives and subsidy options to customers who want to replace their privately owned lead service lines in areas where no water main replacement is planned.
- Improve the City's Service Line Inventory by identifying the locations of the lead service lines that connect homes and buildings to water mains.
- Provide a water pitcher filter and replacement cartridges certified to remove lead to customers with completed lead service line replacements.
To proactively replace lead service lines and fast-track the replacements, the City is offering the following voluntary lead service line replacement programs. These programs can be initiated by either the City or the customer. Under a City-initiated program, the City will notify homeowners before replacement work is scheduled to begin.
This is part of the City's ongoing water main replacement efforts. The program offers to replace any lead service line from the City's water main to the customer's meter during a scheduled water main replacement project. It prioritizes areas with the highest concentration of identified lead service lines and communities most vulnerable to lead exposure, coordinating with other known construction activities. Find out where small water main replacements are happening through the Wilmington Traffic & Construction Advisory.
The City offers partial reimbursement to customers who replace their privately owned service line from the curb stop to the water meter. Eligible customers must hire a plumber and complete the replacement work on their own initiative.
Eligibility
To use the subsidy, the homeowner must:
- Live within the City’s water service area.
- Replace the privately owned portion of the service line (curb to meter).
- Hire a licensed plumber/contractor to complete the work.
- Pay the full cost up front.
- Provide a detailed invoice showing plumber’s name, business address, and description of work.
- Ensure work complies with city plumbing and utility standards.
Please complete this form to apply for the Homeowner Connection Subsidy Program.
In partnership with American Water Resources, the City offers a voluntary insurance program. Customers can receive up to $10,000 per occurrence for water line repairs that are the homeowner's responsibility. Sign up and find out more information about Service Line Protection Plans here.
Helpful Water Line Replacement Videos
If you’re curious about how lead service line replacement works, please watch these videos to see the process in action, including what happens before, during, and after replacement:
-Videos from The Lead Service Line Replacement Collaborative
Still have questions? Contact Us.
Health Effects of Lead
Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can lead to new learning and behavior problems or worsen existing learning and behavior problems. The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased risk of these negative health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, and kidney, or nervous system problems.