St. Paul Regional Water Services has replaced about 4,500 lead service lines since 2022 and plans to remove an additional 2,200 in 2026, marking a major milestone in the city’s effort to eliminate lead from its drinking water system.

The work is part of the “Lead Free SPRWS” program, a long-term initiative aimed at protecting public health and modernizing aging infrastructure. The utility serves more than 450,000 residents in St. Paul and surrounding communities.

Officials say the replacements are being completed at no direct cost to property owners, thanks to a combination of state, federal and local funding. The Minnesota Legislature provided about $35 million in support for 2026 through the Public Facilities Authority.

Residents whose properties are eligible for replacement this year have already been notified and must sign participation agreements to allow crews to replace both public and private portions of the service line.

City leaders emphasize the urgency of the work, noting that no level of lead exposure is considered safe. The program was initially designed to complete replacements by 2032, but updated federal goals now call for nationwide removal by 2037.

Meeting those timelines will require sustained funding. Officials estimate the remaining work could cost up to $250 million, with annual funding needs between $25 million and $45 million.

Without continued investment, the program could slow, delaying health benefits for residents.More information: stpaul.gov/leadfree.