Compliant service line inventories
CDM Smith supports over 450 community water systems by reviewing records, filling data gaps, and assigning lead status and confidence levels consistent with EPA guidance
Practices
Priorities
Helping California meet LCR deadlines with scalable inventory support
New federal requirements under the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) require water systems to identify service line materials, document confidence levels, and make inventories publicly accessible. Many California community water systems lack complete records or consistent data. Under a $7.5 million EPA Region 9 task order, CDM Smith is providing technical assistance to help utilities build defensible lead service line inventories, meet regulatory deadlines and lay the groundwork for future replacement programs.
Structured records review methods
Teams develop standardized work plans, data checklists and source hierarchies to evaluate construction records, maps, permits and historical practices across utilities
Training and public outreach
CDM Smith prepares training materials, virtual workshops and multilingual public outreach tools, including materials translated into Spanish and Polish to support inspections, customer self-verification and accurate data collection
Technical assistance for CWSs
Support includes completing inventory forms, visual inspections, developing LSL replacement plans, and assisting with funding and verification strategies
Backed by a $7.5M task order, CDM Smith is helping EPA Region 9 and the California State Water Resources Control Board deliver a consistent, defensible pathway to LCR compliance across more than 450 community water systems with participation expected to approach 600 by February 2027. The statewide program brings the full toolset to the field, including structured program management and QA/QC, rigorous records review, multilingual training and outreach, and stepwise verification methods so utilities can complete inventories, stand up replacement plans, and prepare for future mandates. By standardizing processes, documenting confidence and assumptions, and providing targeted technical assistance, we’re improving data quality, and building a scalable foundation for lead service line replacement across California.