Lead pipe rehabilitation and replacement techniques for drinking water service—survey of utilities

The purpose of this technical note is to summarize results from a survey of water utilities regarding preferred lead pipe rehabilitation and replacement techniques for small diameter (<25 mm) water service pipes. The survey results are based on responses from 23 water utilities ranging in size from 26,500 to 4,656,000 m3/d in North America, Europe and Japan. In North America, survey respondents indicated preferences for the open-trench, pull-through, and moling technologies. In Europe, respondents indicated preferences for the open-trench and moling technologies. In Japan, respondents indicated overwhelming preference for the open-trench technology. Results from this survey were used to identify factors affecting the performance, advantages, and limitations of each technology.