Posted by Stacy Silva on Tuesday, August 26, 2025
The countdown for initial service line inventories (SLIs) has reached zero, and that deadline has passed us. But the clock is still ticking for Pennsylvania water systems. By 2037, every system must have zero lead or galvanized requiring replacement (GRR) service lines and zero unknown service lines under the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI). Now that may seem like it’s far away, and 12 years (at the time of this post) is quite a lot of time, but the next major milestone is much sooner.
By 2027, water systems must submit an updated Baseline Service Line Inventory and a detailed Service Line Replacement Plan to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP).
Starting now will enable water systems to systematically identify unknowns, make necessary replacements, and budget. Delaying action puts systems at risk of falling behind and missing the opportunity to use current funding programs.
Understanding the Deadlines
- 2037: All lead or GRR service lines must be replaced, and unknown service line materials must be identified.
- 2027: Updated Baseline Service Line Inventory due to PA DEP, along with the initial Service Line Replacement Plan.
Both deadlines are legally enforceable, and unknown service lines will soon contribute to a water system’s overall replacement pool, meaning they’ll count toward replacement totals if the SL material remains unknown.
Why Now Is the Right Time to Act
Funding is available now to assist with lead or GRR service line work. These programs can cover:
- Lead or GRR service line replacements, and in some cases,
- Identification of lead service lines
- Inventory updates and management
Acting before funding runs out can help ensure you have the resources to meet requirements without unexpected financial strain.
The Risk of Waiting
If water systems delay inventory updates, they risk higher costs, tighter timelines, and strained resources as the deadlines approach. Unknown service lines will count toward your replacement pool, making it critical to identify and document them now.
Reducing unknowns early will:
- Shorten your overall replacement schedule;
- Lower project costs; and
- Build public confidence through proactive, transparent communication.
The future of safe drinking water in Pennsylvania will be shaped by what you do today. The deadlines are fixed; the rules are clear, and the funding is here, but only for a limited time.
Reach out if you have questions or you need help with:
- Mastering Your Inventory Data
We organize and standardize your service line inventory to ensure it is accurate, complete, and ready for PA DEP submission.
- Certifying Lead-Free Properties
We help identify and certify properties as lead-free, which can significantly reduce your replacement workload.
- Streamlining PA DEP Reporting
Our database platform produces reports in the exact format PA DEP requires, saving time and ensuring full compliance.
- No-Dig Service Line Identification
Through our partnership with Electro Scan® and their Swordfish™ technology, we provide non-invasive, no-dig service line material identifications, seamless integration of results into your inventory, minimizing cost and avoiding disruptive excavation.
Categories: Municipal Infrastructure
Tagged: Potable Water | Municipal Engineering | Environmental | Budgeting & Funding | Regulations | Revised Lead & Copper Rule (RLCR)