Grading the Nation: State disclosure policies for lead pipes

In the newly released report “Grading the nation: State disclosure policies for lead pipes,” the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) calls out the importance of determining whether homes have lead service lines.

EDF analyzed and graded housing disclosure policies across the nation and found that only three states specifically require sellers to inform buyers if the property has lead pipes. EDF advocates for greater transparency in real estate transactions, so that homebuyers know whether their potential home has a lead service line.

In an online post, “California requires replacement of all lead service lines – but vigilance needed on implementation” (Jan. 19), EDF highlights 2016 legislation making California the first state in the nation to require drinking water utilities to inventory lead service lines and provide a timeline for replacement.