Washington, DC Lead Service Line Replacement Program
D.C. Water and Sewer Authority serves about 632,323 people and reported 16,935 lead and 190 galvanized service lines that must be replaced, out of 137,166 lines, in EPA's Q3 2026 inventory, plus 13,388 lines of unknown material. Here's who pays to replace yours, what it costs, and how to sign up.
Free private side for enrolled owners
In DC, the Lead Pipe Replacement Assistance Program (DOEE) gives enrolled homeowners a 100% discount on private-side replacement when the public side is already non-lead. DC Water's House by House program replaces both sides for free, subject to funding. Under the older Voluntary Replacement Program the owner pays for private-side work. From October 2026, DC Water and DOEE use one streamlined application.
How to get it
- Check your address on DC Water's lead map.
- Apply through the joint DC Water and DOEE application.
- Email lead@dcwater.com to ask whether your block is in House by House.
Sources: dcwater.com, dcwater.com
Lead lines in Washington, DC
The most recent 90th-percentile lead result EPA lists for this system is 2 parts per billion (2026-01 to 2026-06). Under the new federal rule, the action level drops to 10 ppb in 2027. Galvanized lines count if they ever sat downstream of a lead pipe, because they can hold lead particles. Unknown lines must be identified by the utility, and many turn out to be lead.
How Washington, DC compares: it ranks #24 of 7,556 U.S. water systems and #1 of 3 in District of Columbia for lead and galvanized lines. 12.5% of its service lines need replacing, compared with 12.4% across District of Columbia. See the national ranking.
Source: EPA SDWIS Service Line Inventory, Q3 2026 · Utility phone: 202-364-3131 · PWSID DC0000002
Washington, DC lead service line map: check your address
Every water utility had to publish an inventory of its service lines, and most offer an address lookup map. Start with D.C. Water and Sewer Authority's official lead program page, which links to its lookup or explains how to get your line checked. The status will be lead, galvanized requiring replacement, non-lead or unknown. If it's unknown, you can usually check the pipe yourself and send the utility a photo.
Communities and ZIP codes served
ZIP codes: 20001, 20002, 20003, 20004, 20005, 20006, 20007, 20008, 20009, 20010, 20011, 20012, 20015, 20016, 20017, 20018, 20019, 20020, 20024, 20032, 20036, 20037, 20045, 20052, 20057, 20059, 20064, 20204, 20220, 20230, 20240, 20245, 20250, 20260, 20317, 20319, 20373, 20388, 20390, 20408
Who pays in District of Columbia?
In the District of Columbia, DC Water and the Department of Energy and Environment cover the private side for enrolled owners through the Lead Pipe Replacement Assistance Program and DC Water's House by House program.
The law: District Lead Pipe Replacement Assistance Program. Mandatory? No owner mandate; the District aims to replace all lead lines by 2030. Funding: DOEE, DC Water capital program and federal infrastructure grants.
Sources: dcwater.com
Nationwide, EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require most utilities to replace every lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement line by December 31, 2037, starting November 1, 2027. Utilities must mail a notice every year to each home with a lead, galvanized or unknown line. See the federal timeline.
What would you pay?
Many utility loans are 0% (enter 0). Private loans run higher. Your real price depends on how far the house sits from the street, digging versus trenchless methods, permits and restoration. This is an estimate, not a quote.
The calculator starts at 0% because Washington, DC's program is free only for eligible owners. If you qualify, set "Utility pays" to 100%.
Not covered, or can't wait?
Get up to 3 quotes from licensed plumbers who replace service lines in Washington, DC.
Common questions
Is lead service line replacement free in Washington, DC?
Free if eligible. In DC, the Lead Pipe Replacement Assistance Program (DOEE) gives enrolled homeowners a 100% discount on private-side replacement when the public side is already non-lead.
Is lead service line replacement mandatory in Washington, DC?
No owner mandate; the District aims to replace all lead lines by 2030.
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line in Washington, DC?
If you qualify for Washington, DC's program, the private side costs you nothing. Most private-side replacements cost about $4,000 to $10,000, and long or difficult lines can run higher. Price depends on the distance from the street to your house, whether the contractor digs a trench or pulls the new pipe through (trenchless), permits, and restoring your lawn, sidewalk or basement wall. That's what you'd pay if you replace it on your own or don't qualify.
How do I know if my home has a lead service line?
Look up your address on D.C. Water and Sewer Authority's service line inventory or check the letter it mailed you. You can also check the pipe where it enters your basement, usually near the meter: lead is dull gray, soft, and turns shiny silver when you scratch it with a key, and a magnet won't stick. Galvanized steel is gray too, but a magnet sticks to it. See our step-by-step guide.
What if I can't afford to replace my lead line?
Ask D.C. Water and Sewer Authority about income-based help first; federal money often makes replacement free for low-income owners. Other options are utility payment plans, 0% city loans, state revolving fund programs, property tax assessments and home improvement loans. Our guide on paying for replacement lists them.
Who owns the water service line?
In most U.S. cities the utility owns the pipe from the water main to the curb stop or property line, and the property owner owns the rest, into the house. Some utilities, including Minneapolis and many in St. Louis County, treat the whole line as the owner's. Federal rules now require utilities to replace the whole lead line, not just their part.
Something out of date? Report a change. We recheck program terms at least once a year.