Westerly EquiFlow Lead Replacement Project
Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank (RIIB) and Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH)
Partially
The Town of Westerly, in partnership with Community Infrastructure Partners (CIP), has established the EquiFlow Westerly Program to replace remaining lead service lines across the community. During the upcoming construction seasons, the program plans to complete approximately 2,000 lead service line replacements across Westerly. The program follows the framework of recent U.S. EPA Lead and Cooper Rule Improvements and is supported by state environmental guidance to help communities plan and manage replacement programs effectively.
To support this work, the team is verifying service line materials, updating records, and coordinating replacements as construction progresses through each neighborhood.
Every home we verify, every ROE form submitted, and every lead service line replaced brings Westerly closer to a healthier, safer future. Your participation is essential—not just for your household, but for the entire community. To be included in the replacement schedule, make sure your property is ready.
Residents confirm their service line material through self-verification or by contacting us to request an in-person inspection from the EquiFlow team.
Learn MoreProperty owners complete the Right of Entry form, which authorizes crews to access the property for replacement work.
Learn MoreOnce the ROE is received, the EquiFlow team reviews eligibility and construction timing. Replacement work may not be guaranteed for the current season, and schedules are based on contractor capacity, weather, and neighborhood planning. The team will communicate timing estimates and updates to residents as the program progresses.
Learn MoreCertified contractors remove the existing lead service line and install new, approved materials from the main line to the home. Typically, work starts and ends on the same day and lasts approximately 4-8 hours.
Learn MoreAfter installation, residents receive guidance on flushing their system and are provided a certified water filter and pitcher for short-term use.
Learn MoreAll work areas such as lawn and sidewalks are restored, and post-replacement testing may occur to ensure that the new service line meets current standards.
Learn MoreFind answers to common questions about
the EquiFlow Lead-Free Program.
Yes—homeowners or residents are generally asked to be present to ensure access to the water meter and interior connection points. The team will schedule your inspection in advance and provide a clear timeframe.
Verification can happen in two ways:
In-Person Inspection
An EquiFlow inspector will schedule a short visit or may stop by while conducting door-to-door canvassing. Inspectors wear identifiable vests and badges. They’ll need access to where the service line enters your home, often near the meter or in the basement.
The process takes about 15 minutes and includes a quick visual check, a light scratch and magnet test, and a few photos. If your line qualifies for replacement, the inspector will explain next steps and review the Right of Entry form before requesting your signature.
Self-Verification Online
Prefer to verify your service line material without an in-person visit? Complete the quick and easy self-verification form on the EquiFlow website and upload photos of your water meter and service line. An EquiFlow Specialist will review your submission, confirm eligibility, and follow up with next steps, if any.
Whether done in person or online, verification is quick, non-invasive, and helps move Westerly toward a lead-free future.
A water service line is the pipe that carries drinking water from the city’s main water line in the street to your home’s water meter. It has two sections: the city-owned portion (from the main to the curb stop) and the property-owned portion (from the curb stop to the meter).
Many older homes, especially those built before the 1950s, still have lead service lines. Replacing these lines through the EquiFlow Program removes a primary source of lead exposure and enhances the long-term quality and reliability of your home’s water system.
All personnel conducting inspections and replacements are trained professionals working under the Town of Westerly’s contracted program. Each team member carries proper identification and has completed background screening and safety training
No special maintenance is needed. Residents will receive instructions for flushing pipes and using a certified filter for a short period following replacement.
If we identify a lead service line at your property:
Lead can enter drinking water when service lines or plumbing that contain lead corrode. Even low levels of exposure can impact health, particularly for children and pregnant individuals.
The program is supported through federal and state funding, including the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), and is delivered in partnership with CIP.
Homeowners are only asked to sign the ROE form to authorize access for the work.
Lead line replacements usually take 4 to 8 hours, including work inside and outside your home, and will be scheduled with you at least one week in advance of work. Our team works Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 7 PM. Sometimes, contractors may need access before the replacement or run into unexpected issues, which could extend the timeline.
The ROE form gives the City and its contractors permission to enter your property to complete the service line replacement work. Without it, the lead service line cannot be replaced. Signing the ROE does not transfer the ownership; it simply authorizes the work to be done.
