Lead Service Line Replacement Program

Concord Water is pleased to offer special low cost Lead Service Line Replacement Program (LSLRP).  The American Water Works Association (AWWA) identifies the typical cost for a private contractor to replace a lead service lateral to be in the range of $5,000 to $6,000, with recent estimates in other local communities as much as $10,000.  Such costs would not be considered unusual in Concord. To help accelerate and incentivize service line replacement activities, Concord Water offering a more affordable alternative by employing in-house labor and materials, along with a very favorable and convenient payment plan. 

Please note that based on site specific conditions there is a 45% chance that 
individual water services will be eligible for this program

What Is the Cost?

The estimated cost for the replacement of a private lead water service line using Concord Water's program is $1,500.  The actual estimate for each individual service will depend upon the length of the service and the complexity of site conditions. The Division will review each application based on existing site conditions and inform the applicant if they qualify for this special reduced rate. Before any work is performed, you will be provided with a site specific estimated fee.

This pilot rate was initially set in 2017 and may be reevaluated as part of the 2025-2026 Water and Sewer rate hearing at the Concord Public Works Commission meeting in spring of 2025. 

How Can I Pay?

All payments will be invoiced and received on your existing water service bill.  At the time of your application, you can choose to make payment for this work in one of the following methods:

  • One lump sum payment on your next water bill or
  • 12 separate, interest-free installments that will be placed on your utility bill over a 12-month period.

Concord Public Works is currently working on a number of ways that those with fixed or limited income can receive financial assistance to help offset the cost of lead water service line replacement.

Some resources we are exploring applying for state and federal funds 

Forms and Documents

  1. Evaluation Request - Lead Service Line Replacement Program

How to Apply?

  1. Complete the Evaluation Request form or call the Water and Sewer Division at 978-318-3250. 
  2. Schedule a Site Visit – Division operations staff will need to perform a site inspection to evaluate site specific conditions (which may involve minor excavation), and assess the potential impact that replacement may have on your property.  This will allow for a more accurate assessment of associated fees.  This may include an explanation of work that must be done by others to restore your property to pre-existing acceptable conditions, such as driveway repairs, special landscaping restoration, irrigation system repairs, etc.
  3. Complete Lead Service Line Replacement Request form – Division staff will provide you with Lead Service Line Replacement Request form to assure you understand associated fees along with providing necessary right of access authorization and release of claim language to allow the Division to perform related work within your private property.  It is very important that you make sure you review the terms and conditions of this form to avoid any unnecessary confusion down the line.
  4. Secure a Spot on the Schedule – The Water/Sewer Superintendent will review your signed Lead Service Line Replacement Request form.  Once approved, the form will be returned and the Division operations group will work out a replacement schedule directly with you.  
  5. Plan of Work – Most service line replacement work can be completed in one to two days.  The work will require an interruption of service and access to the water meter located inside your home.  Final regrading and dressing of lawn may require a return visit.
  6. Fees – As noted on the Lead Service Line Replacement Request the fee associated with this work will be added directly to your water and sewer bill.  A payment plan option will be offered to allow this fee to be paid in equal installments over a one year period of time.  Once the work has been completed, the associated fee will be automatically added to your water/sewer bill.

Service work must be done during regular construction season (between April 1st and December 1st).  Depending on the level of interest/participation and work force availability, your service line work will be prioritized on a first-come first-serve basis, with some flexibility offered for situations:

  • Level of risk to occupants based on age, medical conditions, etc.
  • Emergency replacements attributed to individual service line leaks
  • Opportunities that would allow for efficient coordination with other municipal construction activities (i.e. water main replacement program)

Customers that are unwilling or unable to defer service replacement work until the Town is able to perform this work, are unwilling to accept the terms and conditions of the Private Water Service Line Replacement program, or who have a service requiring special work/permitting (i.e. ledge removal/wetlands/) will be provided with a list of approved drain layers so that they can coordinate replacement work at their cost according to their own schedule.