Detect. Correct. Protect.
In summer 2024, the Metropolitan Utilities District (M.U.D.) launched a proactive initiative to replace all lead service lines in Omaha, Nebraska by 2034¹. Serving a population of over 600,000, M.U.D. is prioritizing neighborhoods with high concentrations of children, aligning with the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI).
With more than 14,000 lead or unknown service lines in its inventory, M.U.D. created a streamlined, three-step approach to engage residents and reduce lead exposure:
- Detect: Residents use M.U.D.’s interactive tool to check their service line material and eligibility.
- Correct: M.U.D. replaces lead service lines at no cost to the resident.
- Protect: Households receive a pitcher filter certified to reduce lead to use until their line is replaced—and again after replacement.
Empowering Residents Through Simplicity and Education
M.U.D. makes it easy for residents to participate. Customers can check their service line status by entering their address online, track progress via a Lead Replacement Projects map, and receive updates through mailed letters, videos, and a dedicated website. Once identified, M.U.D. provides free water testing, followed by pitcher filter distribution.
The utility’s focus on strategic replacement—prioritizing vulnerable communities and working in blocks—helps reduce long-term exposure risks. By speaking in familiar terms and using clear messaging like “Detect, Correct, Protect,” M.U.D. builds trust and encourages public buy-in for this capital-intensive program.
Looking Ahead
M.U.D. replaced over 250 lead service lines by the end of 2024, with a goal of 650 replacements in 2025, and 1,400 annually through 2034. The District also maintains stable, non-corrosive water and conducts monthly testing to ensure lead is not detected in its source, finished, or distributed water.
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Learn more about Omaha’s Lead Reduction Program Visit Site
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