At Burian & Associates, we’re proud to be supporting the State of North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (NDDEQ) in the continued efforts to identify and eliminate lead service lines across the state. This essential public health initiative began in 2023 and has now entered its next phase, Category B1, focusing on helping communities build accurate, compliant lead service line inventories and ultimately laying the groundwork for safer drinking water systems for generations to come.

Protecting North Dakota’s Drinking Water Infrastructure

Lead service lines were once a common feature in drinking water systems, but their installation was banned nationally in 1986 by Congress and shortly after by the State of North Dakota in 1988. The 2021 revisions to the federal Lead and Copper Rule (LCRR) under the Safe Drinking Water Act now require all public water systems to identify and maintain a record of lead pipes in their infrastructure.

In Category B1, public water systems can receive hands-on assistance with reviewing records, gathering data from private-side connections, and submitting updated lead service line inventories to the state.

At Burian & Associates, we’re currently working with 43 public water systems across North Dakota to provide just that.

Our work involves:

  • Reviewing initial inventories and identifying changes or new findings
  • Collecting historical documentation and creating a list of unknown or unverified service lines
  • Coordinating with local water systems to reduce uncertainty through community surveys and door-to-door outreach
  • Submitting updated inventories on behalf of the public water system to the NDDEQ
  • Organizing and delivering finalized inventory files back to the community for their own recordkeeping

Why It Matters

The presence of lead in drinking water remains a serious health concern, especially for children. By working alongside local communities, we’re helping to reduce that risk while also helping systems stay compliant with federal mandates. Perhaps more importantly, this work sets the stage for accessing state and federal funding to replace lead lines and improve infrastructure long-term.

Looking Ahead

The work being done today is a critical step toward a healthier tomorrow. By creating accurate and complete inventories, North Dakota’s public water systems are building the foundation for comprehensive lead service line replacement plans. With support from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), these efforts are more achievable and impactful than ever.

At Burian & Associates, we’re honored to help communities take action on lead reduction, ensuring that every household across North Dakota can trust the water that comes from their tap.

Want to Learn More?

For more information about this project or to discuss how we can support your community’s water infrastructure, contact us at 701-478-7999.