Free lead pipe replacement programs in major U.S. cities

What homeowners pay to replace a lead service line in the 13 large water systems below, checked against official utility pages in November 2026. Programs change as funding comes and goes, so confirm with your utility.

Program types

• Free The utility pays for the private side for eligible homes.
• Free when scheduled Free when crews replace mains on your block; waiting is free, going first may cost you.
• Free if eligible Free for invited or income-qualified owners, often with loans for others.
• Cost share The owner pays part of the private-side cost.

City by city

Chicago (IL)

Chicago's Equity Lead Service Line Replacement program replaces the line free for income-qualified homeowners. Other owners can use the homeowner-initiated option, which waives city permit fees, but they hire and pay their own contractor. Official program page.

Cleveland Public Water System (OH)

Cleveland Water has offered to replace the customer-owned portion for free when its crews disturb the city-owned part of a lead line (reported 2024). Confirm current terms with Cleveland Water. Official program page.

New York City System (NY)

NYC DEP replaces private lead service lines for free for eligible homeowners in the Bronx and Queens, with Brooklyn planned for 2027. Only owners who receive a letter from DEP can sign up; tenants can't. Official program page.

City of Detroit (MI)

DWSD replaces lead service lines with copper at no cost to residents, with the owner's or occupant's permission, as it replaces water mains block by block. DWSD contacts residents before work reaches their neighborhood. Official program page.

Milwaukee Waterworks (WI)

Milwaukee Water Works replaces lead lines in priority areas. Through the Owner Request Program, owners pay the actual private-side cost or the average cost, whichever is less (the city lists a five-year average of $3,454). A proposal to eliminate the owner cost was under discussion. Official program page.

Citizens Water - Indianapolis (IN)

Citizens Energy Group replaces customer-owned lead lines neighborhood by neighborhood at no extra cost; all customers pay a monthly Lead Service Line Recovery fee (about $4.49 to $6.73 for most homes). Owners who want it sooner can pay only for the private-side work. Official program page.

Cincinnati Public Water System (OH)

Since 2021, Cincinnati pays the full cost of replacing privately owned lead lines for homeowners, schools and child care centers. Greater Cincinnati Water Works passed 10,000 replacements in August 2026. Official program page.

Buffalo Water Authority (NY)

Buffalo Water runs a lead service line replacement program funded by federal grants and interest-free financing, with 2026 funding aimed at low-income households. Official program page.

Columbus Public Water System (OH)

Columbus replaces lead and galvanized service lines on both the public and private sides at no cost to residents, expanded citywide in April 2026. Owners can also replace proactively through the Lead Elimination Assistance Program with no upfront cost. Official program page.

City of Providence (RI)

Providence Water replaces private-side lead lines for free at eligible locations as long as funding allows, aiming to replace all lead lines by 2033. Only property owners can sign up. A 0% interest loan is also offered for private-side work. Official program page.

Grand Rapids (MI)

Grand Rapids pays for full replacements during water main or road projects and emergency leaks. If your line isn't scheduled and you want it replaced now, you pay, and the Ten-Pay program spreads the cost over ten years. Official program page.

Philadelphia Water Department (PA)

Philadelphia Water replaces lead lines for free on blocks getting new water mains and through a pilot in ZIP codes 19133, 19134 and 19140 that began in August 2026. Elsewhere, the HELP program offers zero-interest loans to replace a lead service line. Official program page.

Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Auth (PA)

Pittsburgh Water replaces the public side for free and offers free private-side replacement to income-qualified customers, or income-based reimbursement of up to 100% if you hire your own plumber. It aims to finish all lead line replacement by 2027. Official program page.

Your city isn't listed?

Look up your water system and use its contact details, and read how replacement funding works. If you want it done sooner, get plumber quotes.

Common questions