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Greeley Water Advances Lead Service Line Replacement Work

September 18, 2026
A worker uncoils copper pipe as it is laid in a trench.

GREELEY, Colo. — Greeley Water Utilities is working to identify and replace lead service lines across the community through its Lead Protection Program. The program supports the City’s commitment to providing safe, reliable drinking water while planning for future infrastructure needs.

Water providers across the country must meet new federal requirements to identify and replace lead service lines. Greeley Water is on track to replace all known lead service lines, as well as lines with unknown materials, before November 1, 2027.

By that date, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires water systems to submit updated lead service line inventories under the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements.

Greeley began this work early in 2023 by investing in its Lead Protection Program. The program includes:  

  • Reviewing historical records and construction information.
  • Inspecting water service lines to verify pipe materials.
  • Prioritizing older neighborhoods and areas with a higher risk of lead service lines.
  • Replacing known lead service lines through planned construction projects.

Replacement Progress

Greeley Water has confirmed the material of 25,600 water service lines, representing about 92% of all service lines in the city. Staff have completed verification work in older neighborhoods identified as having a higher risk of lead service lines.  

To date, Greeley Water has identified 566 service lines that require replacement. Of those, 186 remain. The City plans to replace the remaining lines through an existing construction contract during the first half of 2027.
Greeley is ahead of the November 1, 2027, inventory milestone set by the EPA and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The City is also well ahead of schedule to meet the requirement to replace all lead service lines within 10 years of that date.  

Managing Costs and Keeping Residents Informed

The Lead Protection Program is funded in part through the Colorado Drinking Water Revolving Fund. Greeley received:

  • $10 million in principal forgiveness, which does not need to be repaid.
  • A $7.55 million low-interest loan with a 3.5% interest rate. By securing funding early, the City was able to advance this work without a water utility rate increase specifically for this work.

Need More Information?

Residents can view Greeley’s public service line inventory and learn more about the Lead Protection Program at GreeleyCO.gov/LeadProtection. Updates on replacement areas are also available through Speak Up Greeley.