Allentown, Pa. — Lehigh County Authority (LCA) has secured $12 million in funding through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) to support the next phase of its Lead Service Line Replacement Program in the City of Allentown.
The funding package includes $6.3 million in grant funding and a low-interest loan for the remaining balance, significantly reducing the financial impact on customers while allowing LCA to accelerate the removal of lead and galvanized water service lines. The project will support the replacement of up to 1,000 lead or galvanized water service lines throughout Allentown. The work builds on LCA’s initial lead program work and expands ongoing efforts to identify, prioritize, and replace service lines that may pose a risk to public health. “This investment allows us to move faster and reach more homes while being mindful of affordability for our customers,” said Liesel Gross, LCA’s Chief Executive Officer. “Removing lead service lines is one of the most important long-term steps we can take to protect public health and strengthen our water system.”
LCA will focus on replacing known lead and galvanized service lines, while expanding efforts to identify previously unknown service line materials. LCA will prioritize replacement locations based on public health considerations, including homes serving children, environmental justice communities, and areas with confirmed lead or galvanized service lines. “With this funding, we can expand our service line inspection efforts and replace lead and galvanized service lines more efficiently and equitably,” said Reni Keane-Dengel, LCA’s Lead Program & Compliance Manager. “This is about taking a comprehensive, data-driven approach to protecting public health.”
Customers will receive advance notice and clear information about the service line replacement process. During construction, LCA and its contractors will coordinate closely with property owners to minimize disruption.
In addition to improving drinking water quality, the expanded program will support local jobs as LCA is increasing staffing and contractor capacity to meet the scale of the work. The project advances LCA’s compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rules that mandate the removal of lead service lines across all public water systems. More information about LCA’s Lead Service Line Replacement Program, including a searchable map allowing customers to check the status of their service line, is available at www.lehighcountyauthority.org/leadfree.
About Lehigh County Authority: LCA is a public water and wastewater utility committed to protecting public health and the environment by providing high-quality, safe, and reliable water and wastewater services, serving a population of approximately 270,000 people. A nonprofit, public agency, LCA was founded in 1966 by the County of Lehigh and is governed by a nine‐member board of directors appointed by the County.
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Taylor Stakes
