# Flaws found in EPA’s lead pipe survey of states and water utilities

*Published:* 2023-06-29
*Author:* Roya Alkafaji

**Deep Dive:** Read our [Deep Dives blog](https://blogs.edf.org/deepdives/2023/06/29/lead-pipe-survey-flaws/) for an in-depth analysis on the data that drove the 2023 allocation of federal funding for lead service line replacements.

**What’s New:** EPA [recently estimated](https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2023-04/Final_DWINSA%20Public%20Factsheet%204.4.23.pdf) there are 9.2 million lead service lines (LSLs) in the nation’s drinking water infrastructure based on information reported by states and water utilities. This was collected as part of a survey conducted every four years to understand drinking water infrastructure needs.

The agency estimated the number of LSLs for each state. Two had surprisingly high numbers: Florida with 1.2 million LSLs and Texas with 650,000.

After reviewing data EPA used to estimate each state’s totals[\[1\]](#_ftn1), we believe that these two may have less than 100,000 LSLs each. If true, this means the country may actually have about 1.6 million *fewer* LSLs than originally thought – good news overall.

**Why It Matters:** EPA used the estimated LSLs for each state to allocate a share of the $3 billion dedicated to LSL replacement in this fiscal year. The allocations are already set for FY23 but could be adjusted for the next three years.

**Next Steps:** This fall, states and utilities will have the opportunity to resubmit their responses, a decision made by EPA that we applaud. We believe this will lead to a more equitable allocation of LSL replacement funding for the next three years.

[\[1\]](#_ftnref1) This data is readily available because of a [Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) submission](https://foiaonline.gov/foiaonline/action/public/submissionDetails?trackingNumber=EPA-2022-003617&type=Request) by the Natural Resources Defense Council seeking the survey responses.