Advancing Water Equity Through Lead Service Line Replacement: A Shared Accountability Approach
Bains, Raenice
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Abstract
Lead contamination in drinking water remains a major environmental justice issue in the United States, disproportionately affecting low-income and predominantly Black and Brown communities. Despite federal regulations aimed at reducing exposure, millions of lead service lines (LSLs) persist due to aging infrastructure and decades of disinvestment. While many utilities intend to replace LSLs equitably, programs often unintentionally prioritize affluent neighborhoods with greater resources, fewer construction barriers, and higher political influence. This capstone project explores how water utilities can advance water equity by integrating accountability and transparency into lead service line replacement (LSLR) programs. Using the Shared Equity Leadership (SEL) Accountability Model and the Diversity Scorecard Framework as guiding tools, this project examines how utilities can identify disparities, measure progress, and strengthen decision-making. These frameworks provide structure for shifting from uniform approaches to equity-focused strategies that prioritize high-risk communities first. Ultimately, the project argues that equitable water infrastructure requires more than technical solutions; it demands shared responsibility, data-driven practices, and intentional leadership to rebuild trust and ensure safe drinking water for all residents.
