Illustrative
Why this market is moving now
- Water systems must comply with the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements from 1 November 2027.
- The rule requires lead pipe replacement within 10 years and lowers the lead action level to 10 µg/L.
- EPA's national count fell to about 4 million lines in 2025-26 as state inventories improved.
- States have until 30 September 2027 to apply for FY2026 lead line replacement funds, which Congress trimmed by $125 million.
Key figures
Each figure names the source it came from. Open the source list below to read the quoted line.
| Figure | Value | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPA estimates about 4 million lead and galvanized service lines require replacement nationwide, using state inventory data submitted as of Q4 2025. | 4 million lines | 2026 | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency |
| When it finalised the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements in October 2024, EPA said up to 9 million homes and businesses were still connected to water mains through lead pipes. | 9 million homes and businesses (upper estimate) | 2024 | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency |
| The final rule, issued 8 October 2024, requires drinking water systems across the country to identify and replace lead pipes within 10 years. | 10 years | 2024 | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency |
| The rule lowers the lead action level from 15 micrograms per litre to 10 micrograms per litre. | 10 µg/L (down from 15) | 2024 | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency |
| Water systems must comply with the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements from 1 November 2027. | 1 November 2027 compliance date | 2027 | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency |
| The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $15 billion over five years dedicated to lead service line replacement. | 15 billion USD over five years | 2024 | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency |
| Total Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding that can be used for lead line replacement is over $26 billion over five years. | 26 billion USD over five years (more than) | 2024 | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency |
| Congress cut the FY2026 lead service line replacement appropriation by $125 million, from $3 billion, and repurposed it for wildland fire management. | 125 million USD cut | 2026 | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency |
| IIJA lead service line replacement funding is 49% additional subsidy for water systems meeting the state's disadvantaged community criteria. | 49 % additional subsidy | 2026 | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency |
Sources and method
The figures on this page come from the public sources listed below. Read how we work.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Fiscal Year 2026 Lead Service Line Replacement Allotments for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Provisions of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (memorandum) (2026-05-20)
Quoted lines
- Figure 1
the EPA still estimates that there are approximately 4 million lead and galvanized service lines requiring replacement nationwide.
- Figure 8
Congress reduced the FY 2026 LSLR appropriation by $125 million.
- Figure 9
The IIJA LSLR funding is 49 percent additional subsidy for water systems that meet the state's disadvantaged community criteria
- Figure 1
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (fact sheet for the general public) (2024-10)
Quoted lines
- Figure 2
up to 9 million homes and businesses are still connected to water mains through legacy lead pipes
- Figure 4
lowers the threshold for taking action, known as the lead action level, from 15 µg/L to 10 µg/L.
- Figure 6
$15 billion over five years for lead service line replacement activities,
- Figure 7
Total funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that can be used for lead line replacements is over $26 billion over five years
- Figure 2
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: EPA Issues Final Rule Requiring Replacement of Lead Pipes Within 10 Years (2024-10-08)
Quoted lines
- Figure 3
issued a final rule requiring drinking water systems across the country to identify and replace lead pipes within 10 years.
- Figure 3
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Fact Sheet: 2021 LCRR Requirements that Are Retained in the Final Lead and Copper Rule Improvements and Compliance Dates (2024-10)
Quoted lines
- Figure 5
the LCRI compliance date of November 1, 2027
- Figure 5
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the United States market - 03Market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 05Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 06Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 07Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 08Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 09Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 10Method and sources
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Frequently asked questions
How many lead service lines are there in the US?
EPA's May 2026 memo estimates about 4 million lead and galvanized service lines require replacement nationwide. In October 2024 EPA had said up to 9 million homes and businesses were connected to lead pipes.
When must lead service lines be replaced?
EPA's October 2024 rule requires systems to identify and replace lead pipes within 10 years. Systems must comply with the rule from 1 November 2027.
What is the new lead action level?
The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements lower the lead action level from 15 µg/L to 10 µg/L, according to EPA's fact sheet.
How much federal funding is there for lead pipe replacement?
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $15 billion over five years for lead service line replacement. EPA says over $26 billion in total can be used for lead lines. Congress cut the FY2026 appropriation by $125 million.
Who pays for lead line replacement?
Funding flows through state revolving funds. EPA says 49% of IIJA lead line funding is additional subsidy for systems that meet a state's disadvantaged community criteria.
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