For many communities across the U.S., addressing lead in drinking water has become both a public health priority and a regulatory requirement. Like many older cities with aging water infrastructure, the City of Wilmington, Delaware, faces the challenge of identifying and replacing service lines while preparing for increasingly stringent lead and copper rule regulations. Accurate inventory, efficient replacement planning, tap monitoring, clear communication and continued outreach are critical to reducing lead exposure risks and directing investment for the greatest impact. Jacobs is building a coordinated compliance program that connects service line inventory management, sampling, replacement planning, public outreach and regulatory reporting. This integrated strategy enables Wilmington to make more informed decisions and better position future investments that support safe drinking water and regulatory compliance.
Jacobs is supporting Wilmington in navigating and achieving compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) and Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI). Our team manages and refines the city's GIS-based inventory, integrates multiple data sources, supports field verification activities and improves inventory accuracy by reducing unknown service lines. We also developed a risk-based prioritization framework that combines inventory data, disadvantaged community considerations and funding criteria to help target equitable replacements where they can deliver the greatest benefit. This framework helps to combine service line replacements with other construction projects to minimize disruption and overall cost.
Beyond technical delivery, Jacobs worked alongside the city to strengthen its position for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law State Revolving Fund opportunities, helping secure $69.3 million in funding for service line replacements.
Together, these efforts are helping Wilmington Water implement a strategic, actionable program that supports regulatory compliance and long-term infrastructure improvement.
Water utilities are under growing pressure to identify and eliminate lead in drinking water systems. With more than 30 years of experience in Lead and Copper Rule compliance, Jacobs has planned and implemented strategies that safeguard millions of people in North America.
Jacobs is supporting clients in the U.S. as they prepare for the EPA’s new proposed regulations to eliminate lead in drinking water and protect public health in our communities.
