Greeley, CO

Greeley, Colorado

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Greeley Colorado Case Study

Example of a proactive lead protection program in Greeley, Colorado.

In response to elevated lead levels detected in its drinking water, the City of Elgin, Illinois, launched a comprehensive initiative to safeguard public health. This program includes free water testing, the distribution of pitcher filter kits, and an accelerated lead service line replacement plan. By proactively engaging the community and implementing swift measures, Elgin effectively addressed immediate concerns while laying the groundwork for long-term solutions.

Project Overview

Lead is a toxic metal that can cause significant health issues, particularly in children and pregnant women. While Greeley’s water is lead-free when it leaves the treatment plant, lead can enter the drinking water through household fixtures, plumbing, and service lines that contain lead. Recognizing this risk, Greeley initiated efforts to identify and replace lead service lines within the city. The Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, announced on October 8, 2024, mandate water utilities to proactively replace LSLs within 10 years, strengthening requirements for locating lead pipes, improving testing, and minimizing exposure during replacements. 

Background

Project Implementation

Greeley’s Lead Protection Program comprises several key components:

  1. Service Line Inventory and Replacement: The city is conducting a thorough inventory of over 29,000 water service lines to identify those containing lead or galvanized materials. Residents are encouraged to complete a questionnaire about their service line material to assist in this effort. Identified lead service lines are replaced at no cost to homeowners. ‍

  2. Filter Distribution: Following the replacement of a lead service line, the city provides free water pitcher filters to residents for up to six months. This measure ensures that any remaining lead particles are removed from the water supply during the transition period.

  3. Community Engagement and Education: Greeley has developed an interactive online map that allows residents to view the material of their water service lines. This tool enhances transparency and empowers residents to take an active role in ensuring their water safety.

Funding

Greeley’s Lead Protection Program is supported through a combination of federal funding and strategic financial planning by the city’s Water and Sewer Department. In March 2024, the city secured a $21 million state revolving fund loan, which includes $10 million in loan forgiveness. This financial assistance eliminates the need for a 1.1% water rate increase that would have been necessary to fund the program. The loan is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which allocates $15 billion for lead service line replacements by public water systems. Greeley plans to utilize these funds to replace customers’ lead service lines at no cost to homeowners.  

Additionally, in November 2023, Greeley Water received a $250,000 grant from the Colorado Water Quality Control Division. This grant is designated for creating a mapped inventory of water service line materials, a requirement to meet federal and state regulations by October 2024. The funding will be used for service line inventory, lead or galvanized service line confirmations, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping and analysis. 

Greeley by the Numbers

  • Population Served: Greeley’s water system serves approximately 116,000 residents.

  • Service Line Inventory: The city is assessing over 29,000 water service lines to determine their material composition.‍

  • Lead or Galvanized Requiring Replacement (GRR) Service Lines Identified: As of September 2025, 350 service lines requiring replacement have been identified.‍

  • Service Lines Replaced: As of September 2025, 200 lead or GRR service lines have been replaced since the program’s inception.‍

  • Filter Distribution: Residents receive free water pitcher filters for up to six months following the replacement of a lead service line.

Best Practices Implemented

Proactive Identification: Greeley is conducting a thorough inventory of water service lines to identify and prioritize the replacement of those containing lead.

  1. Resident Collaboration: By asking residents to fill out a questionnaire about their service lines, the city engages the community and collects important data for replacement efforts.

  2. Transparent Communication: The interactive online map provides residents with accessible information about their service lines, promoting transparency and trust between the city and its residents.

  3. Post-Replacement Support: Providing free water pitcher filters for six months after service line replacement ensures residents have safe drinking water during the transition period.

Community Feedback

Denver Water sends a survey to customers via email (and as a link in other email communications) with the primary goal to better understand the customer experience and to gauge the level of perceived program value. Key takeaways regarding program value and communications include:

  • 95% of all respondents support the continuation of the Lead Reduction Program.

  • 91% of respondents report that the LRP is very important to the well-being of our community, including public health protection and improving property values.

  • Nearly 90% of respondents were supportive of the goal to remove all lead service lines.

  • 82% of respondents report that communications and materials from Denver Water are helpful

Conclusion

Greeley’s Lead Protection Program exemplifies a proactive and community-focused approach to ensuring safe drinking water. By conducting a thorough inventory of service lines, replacing lead-containing lines at no cost to homeowners, and providing post-replacement support through filter distribution, Greeley is taking significant steps to protect public health. This initiative serves as a valuable model for other communities aiming to implement effective lead mitigation strategies.

Recommendations for Other Communities

Conduct Comprehensive Inventories: Assess all water service lines to identify and prioritize the replacement of lead-containing lines.

Engage Residents:Collaborate with residents through surveys and educational initiatives to gather information and foster community involvement.

Ensure Transparency:Provide accessible tools and clear communication to keep residents informed about lead mitigation efforts.

Offer Post-Replacement Support: Distribute water pitcher filters after service line replacements to ensure safe drinking water during the transition period.

By adopting these best practices, communities can effectively address lead contamination in drinking water and protect the health of their residents.