Lead service line (LSL) replacement is a critical undertaking for water systems across the US and around the world. Accurate lead service line predictions are a crucial piece of replacement planning. Why? Because predictions show the volume and likely locations of lead lines.
However, predictions are just the starting point. At BlueConduit, we know that taking a data-driven, comprehensive, optimized approach to LSL replacement goes beyond identifying likely LSLs.
So how do you start to create an optimized LSL replacement plan?
Taking a comprehensive and optimized approach to lead pipe replacement starts with understanding strategic priorities. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution; every water system must define its unique optimization goals and constraints.
Water systems need to consider a wide range of outcomes to prioritize in their LSL replacement programs such as public health impact, operational efficiency, political needs, community priorities, and more. It is likely that water systems will want to optimize across a variety of outcomes to balance needs, such as public health and operational efficiency.
Constraints are nearly as important as outcomes for LSL planning. In addition to obvious constraints, such as time and funding availability, water systems must consider funding limitations, impact on other ongoing projects, access, and more.
Why is it so important to define strategic priorities for LSL replacement?
When it comes to lead service line replacement, order matters. Given the constraints of resources and time for LSL replacement, it is critical to make sure you’re starting in the most high value locations for replacement.
But high value looks different depending on what you’re trying to accomplish. Without a clear sense of what you’re trying to achieve, it is impossible to optimize your LSL replacement programs.
How does BlueConduit help water systems define strategic priorities for LSL replacement?
In our recently released guide, “Best practices for data-driven LSL replacement planning,” BlueConduit outlines 4 best practices for data-driven LSL replacement planning, beginning with identifying strategic priorities. The guide offers a more robust, step-by-step look at how to engage with strategic prioritization decisioning.
In addition, our new LSL Replacements tool lets you engage with your data to explore the impact and outcomes of different strategic prioritization decisions.
Imagine being able to prioritize LSL replacements in areas with the highest risk to public health, ensuring that vulnerable populations are protected first. Or consider the ability to strategically plan replacements to maximize the use of available funding, preventing delays and cost overruns. Or what if you want your plans to optimize for both of these priorities? Our LSL Replacements tool makes this exploration (and planning) possible. It allows water systems to model different replacement scenarios, evaluate potential outcomes, and select the optimal strategy for specific community needs.
BlueConduit’s integrated approach, combining LSL Predictions and LSL Replacements, offers a holistic solution for water systems seeking to optimize their LSL replacement programs. We empower communities to move beyond predictions and towards efficient, equitable, and compliant LSL replacement.
Want to learn more about BlueConduit’s best practices for data-driven LSL replacement planning and what they look like in action? Sign up for our upcoming webinar with Detroit Water and Sewerage Department to learn more!
