Louisiana Lead Service Line Replacement Programs
Louisiana water systems reported 16,640 lead and 2,753 galvanized service lines that must be replaced (EPA, Q3 2026). Below: the state rule on who pays, and every Louisiana utility with at least 1,000 such lines or a confirmed program.
Federal Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (40 CFR 141 Subpart I)
This state has no law we found that decides who pays for the private side of a lead service line, so each utility sets its own policy. Under the federal rule, utilities must replace every lead line and galvanized line that needs it within ten years of November 1, 2027, but the rule does not make utilities pay for the owner's side. Federal infrastructure money passed through the state revolving fund can pay for it, so many utilities offer free or discounted replacement, especially for low-income owners.
Mandatory? No state owner mandate found; the federal rule requires most utilities to replace all lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by 2037.
Funding: State Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (federal lead service line money).
Sources: epa.gov
| Utility | Lead | Galv. | Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans New Orleans Carrollton Water Works | 13,927 | 49 | Program pending |
| Shreveport City of Shreveport Water System | 1,799 | 0 | Not confirmed |
| Baton Rouge Baton Rouge Water Company | 0 | 1,007 | Not confirmed |
Compare: lead lines in every state · cities with the most lead pipes · free programs in Louisiana
Common questions
Who pays to replace lead service lines in Louisiana?
This state has no law we found that decides who pays for the private side of a lead service line, so each utility sets its own policy. Under the federal rule, utilities must replace every lead line and galvanized line that needs it within ten years of November 1, 2027, but the rule does not make utilities pay for the owner's side. Federal infrastructure money passed through the state revolving fund can pay for it, so many utilities offer free or discounted replacement, especially for low-income owners.
Is lead service line replacement mandatory in Louisiana?
No state owner mandate found; the federal rule requires most utilities to replace all lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by 2037.
How many lead service lines are in Louisiana?
Water systems in Louisiana reported 16,640 lead service lines, 2,753 galvanized lines that need replacement and 649,852 lines of unknown material to EPA (Q3 2026), across 82 reporting systems.
Where can I get help paying in Louisiana?
Start with your water utility's program; the table on this page shows what we've confirmed. State money flows through: State Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (federal lead service line money). If your utility has no program, see our guide to paying for replacement.