Get the Lead Out Initiative
What is the GLO Initiative?
As part of EPA's effort to tackle lead exposure, the Agency aims to help states and drinking water systems nation-wide to access water infrastructure funding and eliminate potential barriers to lead pipe (or service line) removal. The Get the Lead Out (GLO) Initiative takes lessons learned and best practices from the Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) Accelerators pilot program and expands EPA’s LSLR technical assistance to additional water systems focusing on small and disadvantaged systems (as defined by states). The objective of the GLO Initiative is to accelerate the removal of lead pipes where it’s needed most, help connect more water systems to historic federal funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and move our country closer to the goal of getting 100% of lead pipes out of water systems once and for all.
What types of services does the GLO Initiative provide?
In collaboration with the states, EPA helps drinking water systems to get the lead out and comply with the Lead and Copper Rule by supporting the development of:
- Service Line Inventories that meet the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) requirements. A service line inventory is necessary to fully identify the funding needs of the water system.
- Public Outreach Plans that provide educational resources and notify affected community members of lead service line identification and replacement activities to encourage participation.
- Lead Service Line Replacement Plans to provide each water system a roadmap for 100% identification and full replacement of all LSLs including public and private portions. This assistance supports an LCR requirement.
- Funding Application Support, such as State Revolving Funds or grant opportunities, to help water systems explore opportunities and compile necessary information for applications to fund their service line replacement.
Additionally, EPA develops resources and tools for national use to address common challenges with service line identification and replacement. By sharing best practices to tackle these common challenges, EPA intends to accelerate lead service line replacement across the nation.
How can my community request to participate in the GLO Initiative?
Water systems can request LSLR technical assistance from the GLO Initiative and other RealWaterTA providers by completing the request form at: https://www.epa.gov/water-infrastructure/forms/real-water-technical-assistance-request-form
What can a GLO utility expect?
The GLO Initiative can assist water systems with a range of lead service line related activities, including the development of a service line inventory, public outreach plan, LSL replacement plan, and funding applications with active involvement from the water system. Additionally, the technical assistance provided by the Initiative will give each water system a roadmap for identification and full replacement of all LSLs, including public and private portions. Equipped with customized replacement plans and funding options, water systems will be able to coordinate LSL replacement while also helping to build utility technical, managerial and financial capabilities. The GLO Initiative will help water systems nationwide address barriers to lead pipe removal by providing tools and resources that share best practices.
Which water utilities are eligible for support from EPA’s GLO Initiative?
Public drinking water systems with LSLs or services lines with unknown materials in their distribution system and that are eligible for the State Revolving Fund (SRF) financing may be considered to receive technical assistance through EPA’s GLO Initiative.
How and when will EPA identify water utilities for the Initiative?
EPA considers multiple factors in water system selection, including overall need (prioritizing disadvantaged, as defined by the states, or underserved communities), the presence of LSLs, and willingness to collaborate with EPA to receive technical assistance. EPA will coordinate with states and determine which systems would benefit most from the GLO Initiative.
I’m concerned about potential or confirmed lead service lines in my community. How can we get help from the GLO Initiative?
You can reach out to EPA through our RealWaterTA request form. RealWaterTA can assist with service line inventories and replacement planning. Please be as detailed as possible in your message so that EPA can connect you with a technical assistance provider that is the best fit for your needs.
Who will be conducting the work under GLO?
The services provided under the GLO Initiative will be conducted by EPA, including its contractors, and in coordination with states and water systems.
More Information
- Fact Sheet (English): Fact Sheet (English): Get the Lead Out Initiative (pdf)
- Fact Sheet (Spanish): Fact Sheet (Spanish): Get the Lead Out Initiative (pdf)
- Find more resources on Lead Service Lines
- Read about EPA’s Lead Service Line Replacement Accelerators Pilot (2023-2025): https://www.epa.gov/water-infrastructure/lead-service-line-replacement-accelerators