The dates
EPA's LCRI has a compliance date of November 1, 2027. By then, community water systems need a baseline service line inventory that includes connectors, and a service line replacement plan. The replacement program for lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines starts on the same date and runs over a 10-year period for most systems.
Systems with lead, galvanized-requiring-replacement or unknown lines also have recurring customer notification duties that start before 2027. The rule has been challenged in federal court and EPA has been defending it, so check with TCEQ for current state guidance.
Why unknowns matter
Lines of unknown material are counted with lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines when the annual replacement target is set. Resolving unknowns early shrinks the program to the lines that actually need replacing.
The field work behind an inventory
- Pull records: tap cards, work orders, construction dates and plumbing codes.
- Collect what customers and crews see at the meter and where the line enters the building.
- Locate curb stops, meter boxes and service lines so inspections and verification holes go in the right place.
- Record GPS points and photos at each address so the inventory can be checked and published.
- Use sampling or predictive models to prioritize, then verify before committing replacement money.
Where locating and mapping fit
Locating and mapping don't classify pipe material on their own. They make every other step cheaper: inspections find the right box, excavations are smaller, design starts from real positions, and replacement crews avoid the gas, power and fiber lines next to the water service.
Questions
Does a system serving under 10,000 people have to do this?
The inventory and replacement requirements apply to community water systems generally, with some different options for small systems. Confirm your system's obligations with TCEQ.