Priority 6
Monitor progress and make improvements
Verify quality control of contractor work.
Key Action 1/3
Robustly document the work
A detailed work record is the best practice to confirm construction has been completed as per specification and to ensure lead service lines are no longer in service. If the work is not properly documented, it can require post construction inspections that are time intensive, costly, and cause disturbances to residents.
Document contractor work
Document contractor work by using photos and/or video to create a verified account of lead service line removal.
Monitor project performance
Monitor project performance by collecting detailed information in an asset management system to document completed work for future reference.
Vyntelligence for documenting new service connections
FYLD for onsite construction safety and documentation
Utilities may use their computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) system or mapping system (e.g. ESRI or Diamond Maps) for collecting and organizing photos or video from the field
Key Action 2/3
Aim for continuous improvement
For those municipalities with significant numbers of lead service lines, replacement programs may take several years or more to get all of the lead pipes out. During that time, mayors can continuously improve their program’s efficiency, stretch each dollar, and optimize lead service line replacement programs.
Partner with neighboring communities
Partner with neighboring communities by engaging in cooperative purchasing agreements, joint procurement activities, or equipment sharing arrangements.
Apply for larger federal funding packages
Apply for larger federal funding packages (see Make a Financial Plan) by submitting applications for multi-year funding awards, if allowed by the state, that can allow contractors to ramp-up construction schedules.
Improve contracting terms
Improve contracting terms by following best practices for contract language that increases efficiencies, accelerates the pace of replacement, and reduces per pipe replacement costs. When crafting contracts you may consider including terms to:
- Ramp up contractor capacity by offering smaller bids to small contractors who may need to gain experience.
- Increase bid package sizes to lower per-pipe replacement costs through economies of scale.
- Incentivize contractors to finalize projects quicker by incorporating “pay for success” language.
City of Elgin saves $1.2M on lead service line replacements
Examples of Purchasing Partnerships for Water systems
EPIC Report: Lead Service Line Contracting
Key Action 3/3
Celebrate milestones and boost community visibility
In addition to due diligence and documenting activities internally, momentum in a lead service line program can be maintained through documenting successes. Engaging with the community to collect their feedback can improve receptiveness to the ongoing lead program.
Celebrate key milestones
Celebrate key milestones by sharing news and media publicly with the community about project successes (See Involve your community).
Document Success Stories
Document Success Stories by collecting resident testimonials to elevate your program’s success and to help you gain traction in your community.
Examples highlighting lead service line replacement program successes:
- Greater Cincinnati Water Works customer testimonial from successful lead service line replacement
- Pittsburgh WSA article celebrating 10,000th line replaced
- Waterloop video: Milwaukee’s Formula For Lead Line Replacement