Factors Influencing Customer Participation in a Program to Replace Lead Pipes for Drinking Water

Heather Klemick, Ann Wolverton, Bryan Parthum, Kristin Epstein, Sandra Kutzing and Sarah Armstrong
Additional contact information
Bryan Parthum: U.S. EPA, Office of Policy, National Center for Environmental Economics
Kristin Epstein: CDM Smith
Sandra Kutzing: CDM Smith
Sarah Armstrong: Accenture Federal Services

Environmental & Resource Economics, 2024, vol. 87, issue 3, No 8, 832 pages

Abstract: Abstract Many public water systems are struggling to locate and replace lead pipes that distribute drinking water across the United States. This study investigates factors associated with customer participation in a voluntary lead service line (LSL) inspection and replacement program. It also uses quasi-experimental and experimental methods to evaluate the causal impacts of two grant programs that subsidized homeowner replacement costs on LSL program participation. LSLs were more prevalent in areas with a higher concentration of older housing stock, Black and Hispanic residents, renters, and lower property values. Owner-occupied and higher valued properties were more likely to participate in the LSL program. Results from the two grant program evaluations suggest that subsidies for low-income homeowners to cover LSL replacement costs can significantly boost participation, but only when the programs are well publicized and easy to access. Even then, there was still significant non-participation among properties with confirmed LSLs.

Keywords: Lead exposure; Lead service lines; Drinking water; Field experiment; Quasi-experiment; Environmental justice (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1007/s10640-023-00836-9

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