Lead Service Line Replacement Plans
For Minnesota Public Water Systems

When is a water system required to replace lead service lines

The information below is based on the LCRR requirements.  The proposed LCRI will result in changes to the replacement plan language.  At this time, MDH is not expecting replacement plans to be submitted by October 16, 2024.

All public water systems with one or more lead service lines or galvanized service lines in need of replacement are required to have a lead service replacement plan. Systems are only required to implement the replacement plans if there is an exceedance of either the 10 ppb trigger level or the 15 ppb action level.

 MDH encourages all water systems to proactively consider available funding options to remove lead service lines.

Replacement after exceeding the trigger level (10 ppb) but below the action level (15 ppb)

Water systems that serve more than 10, 000 persons and are above the trigger level but below the action level must conduct goal-based replacement. The goal based replacement rate must be approved by the state.

Replacement after exceeding the action level (15 ppb)

Water systems that serve more than 10, 000 persons and are above the action level must conduct mandatory replacement at a rate not less than 3%. The rate must be approved by the state.

Small system flexibility

Non-transient and Community water systems that serving less than 10,000 persons for which the state has approved or designated lead service line replacement as an option following an exceedance must follow all steps to conduct the replacement and provide customer notification.

What must be included in the replacement plan

Every lead service line replacement plan must contain sufficient detail to address how the water system will meet Lead and Copper Rule Revision requirements listed below.

1. A strategy for determining the composition of lead status unknown service lines in its inventory.
2. A procedure for conducting full lead service line replacement.
3. A communication strategy for informing customers before a full or partial lead service line replacement.
4. For systems that serve more than 10,000 persons, a lead service line replacement goal rate recommended by the system in the event of a lead trigger level exceedance.
5. A procedure for customers to flush service lines and premise plumbing of particulate lead after replacement of a service line.
6. A lead service line replacement prioritization strategy based on factors including but not limited to the targeting of known lead service lines, lead service line replacement for disadvantaged consumers and populations most sensitive to the effects of lead.
7. A funding strategy for conducting full lead service line replacements which considers ways to accommodate customers that are unable to pay to replace the portion they own. Such as plans to apply for lead service line replacement funding, property assessments, ordinances, etc.

It is important to note that only full lead service line replacements count toward any required replacement rate. Partial service line replacements can cause increased lead at customer taps and should be avoided.

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