Many small cities across Minnesota and the Midwest have now completed their Lead Service Line Inventories (LSIs)—a significant step in protecting residents from the risks associated with lead in drinking water. But completing the inventory isn’t the end of the process. Once your results are submitted to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), there are necessary next steps every city will need to take.
Preparing for Federal Requirements
Under the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Revisions, every public water system must develop and submit an accurate inventory of service line materials. This requirement is part of a nationwide effort to identify and ultimately replace lead service lines to protect public health.
Completing a thorough and timely inventory is critical for two reasons:
- Meet Federal Compliance – Inventories are required to maintain compliance with federal regulations.
- Secure Future Funding – Cities that prepare now will be better positioned to access funding for replacement efforts in the years ahead, through programs such as USDA Rural Development Water & Environmental Programs, Drinking Water Revolving Fund (DRWF), o el Minnesota Public Facilities Authority.
What Comes After Submitting Your Inventory
Once MDH reviews your inventory, your city will receive guidance and notification templates to share with residents and property owners. These communications are not optional—they’re required by federal regulations and ensure that residents are informed about their service line status, potential health risks, and steps they can take. Here’s what cities will need to do:
- Resident Notifications – Cities must notify all property owners and residents with lead, galvanized requiring replacement (GRR), or unknown service lines. This usually happens by mailed letter, but some cities also post notices on bulletin boards or distribute through newsletters.
- Use of MDH Templates – MDH provides templates that include all required language: service line status, health risks from lead, recommended steps for residents, and contact details for questions. Using these ensures your city is in compliance. There are two elements to this requirement: (1) providing an additional public notice—such as posting on a city website, newsletter, or bulletin board—to reach people in the community who may not be direct residents or business owners, and (2) ensuring that the full inventory data itself is publicly accessible. In Minnesota, this is provided online through the UMN LITT Minnesota Service Line Material Tool.
- Documentation – Keep records of when and how you sent notices and report this information on the reporting forms MDH provides. Good record-keeping will protect your city and aid in future audits or funding applications.
- Timelines – MDH will set the official deadlines, but based on last year’s requirements, most cities had about a month to deliver all notifications. Watch for MDH emails (and check junk/spam folders, as messages can land there).
- Resident Questions – Be prepared for questions from residents about what their status means, whether they should replace their line now, and how replacements might be funded.
Por qué esto importa
While these communication pieces may seem like a small step, they are a critical milestone in the broader Lead and Copper Rule Improvements process. Clear, timely communication helps build trust in your community, ensures compliance, and positions your city for success in the replacement phase.
Mirando hacia el futuro
After notifications are complete, cities should begin planning for service line replacements—including identifying priorities and developing a phased plan that works for their community. With federal and state resources available, early planning will help your city secure funding and coordinate replacements in an affordable way.
Key Takeaway
Submitting your lead service line inventory is just the beginning. The next phase is about communication, documentation, and preparation for replacement. Completing a timely inventory not only keeps your city compliant, it also strengthens your eligibility for future funding.
At Bollig Engineering, we understand the unique challenges that small cities face in water, wastewater, and infrastructure compliance, including lead service line inventory and replacement. Have questions about funding or planning ahead? Call us at 320-235-2555 or contáctenos en línea.
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