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

Author

Listed:
  • Heather Klemick

    (U.S. EPA, Office of Policy, National Center for Environmental Economics)

  • Ann Wolverton

    (U.S. EPA, Office of Policy, National Center for Environmental Economics)

  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Heather Klemick & Ann Wolverton & Bryan Parthum & Kristin Epstein & Sandra Kutzing & Sarah Armstrong, 2024. "Factors Influencing Customer Participation in a Program to Replace Lead Pipes for Drinking Water," Environmental & Resource Economics, Springer;European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists, vol. 87(3), pages 791-832, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:enreec:v:87:y:2024:i:3:d:10.1007_s10640-023-00836-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s10640-023-00836-9
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