Multi-objective optimization framework for prioritizing lead service line replacement in water distribution systems

Lead service line (LSL) replacement is a critical strategy to reduce lead exposure in drinking water. Recent revisions to the U.S. Lead and Copper Rule require most water utilities to replace all LSLs within 10 years, prioritizing customers most vulnerable to lead exposure. Utilities face the complex challenge of balancing diverse replacement priorities while ensuring compliant LSL replacement plans. This study proposes a multi-objective optimization decision framework that develops replacement plans compliant with regulatory requirements while incorporating utility-specific objectives. This framework generates a set of strategies that enable evaluation and comparison of trade-offs among competing priorities, such as estimated lead levels, socioeconomic vulnerability, and geographic considerations. The proposed framework is general, flexible, and adaptable, allowing the approach to be tailored to the specific conditions, objectives, constraints, and available data of a given utility. We demonstrate its application using publicly available data from Flint, MI. Amid rising regulatory pressures and growing demands on water utilities, this work offers a foundation for flexible, data-driven tools to support the development of compliant and utility-specific replacement strategies.