You can’t replace all of your lead service lines at once. So it is inevitable that you have to decide – which lines are replaced first…and which ones can wait? These decisions, and the way you make them, matter for public health, efficient use of your limited time and dollars, and defending your LSL replacement program to internal decision makers and the public.
With a clear prioritization strategy in place, water utilities can efficiently allocate resources and make decisions that protect public health while staying within budget. Here’s why prioritization matters and how you can get started.
Efficient resource allocation
Prioritizing LSL replacements means directing limited resources where they are needed most. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, utilities can focus on areas that matter most to them based on public health impact, replacement efficiency, or other priorities. Ranking service lines or larger geographic locations based on your priorities lets you select locations for LSL replacement that ensure every dollar spent brings maximum impact.
Targeting high-risk zones
A smart prioritization strategy goes beyond simple material data. It incorporates community demographics and other local data to identify vulnerable populations. By zeroing in on neighborhoods with higher public health risks—such as high presence of children —you can reduce lead exposure for those who need it most. This targeted approach not only improves public safety but also builds trust within the community.
Dynamic strategy and adaptability
The conditions affecting LSL replacements can change rapidly. A dynamic prioritization plan allows you to update rankings based on new data, such as adjacent infrastructure projects, improved lead likelihood predictions, or changes in funding. This adaptability is crucial for staying ahead of challenges and ensuring that your replacement strategy remains relevant and efficient over time. With a data-driven approach, your plan evolves as new insights are gained, offering continuous improvement.
Strengthening compliance and stakeholder confidence
Prioritization simplifies compliance with regulatory requirements. Detailed, prioritized inventories streamline reporting and documentation, making it easier to meet mandates while keeping stakeholders informed. When communities and regulators see a transparent, methodical approach to LSL replacement, confidence in the process grows. This trust is essential for securing funding and support for long-term infrastructure projects like LSL replacement.
So how do you actually prioritize LSLs for replacement? Hot tip – it’s all about having the right technology and tools.
Check out BlueConduit’s new “Best Practices for Data-Driven LSL Replacement” guide or register for our upcoming webinar with the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department to learn more about the tools you need to put these ideas into action!
