Innovative ideas to quickly and equitably remove toxic lead pipes

EPIC created the Water Data Prize to inspire new approaches to expediting the removal of lead service lines in municipalities across the country. More than 50 applications from individuals in the water sector submitted entries to the Water Data Prize, and an esteemed panel of judges reviewed the submissions looking for equitable and effective ways to speed the removal of toxic lead pipes and remove the threat of lead in drinking water for as many people as possible.

Explore the site to learn more about the categories and how the submissions reflect equitable, effective ideas to speed the removal of lead from drinking water.

Watch the Awards Ceremony recording here or view the slides here.

OVERALL WINNER

CDM Smith and the City of Newark

CDM Smith and the City of Newark’s collaboration reflects outstanding work to dramatically increase the pace and scale of lead pipe replacement.


Winners per Category

INVENTORY

First Place: 120Water

120Water demonstrated the power of innovative tools to predict the location of lead water pipes and create an up-to-date inventory.

Runner Up: TruePani, Inc.

View their submission here.


MAPPING

First Place: Ketos

Ketos showed us that with simple and interactive mapping templates we can make it much easier for the public to understand whether there is a risk of lead in the home, or from the pipes that bring their home drinking water.

Runner Up: Greater Cincinnati Water Works

View their submission here.


EQUITY

First Place: Jersey Water Works and New Jersey Future

Jersey Water Works and New Jersey Future showcased more equitable lead water pipe identification tools.

Runner up: CDM Smith and the City of Newark

View their submission here.


COMMUNICATIONS

First Place: Raftelis

Raftelis used simple tools and visualizations that give residents useful, actionable information on lead pipes in their area.

Runner Up: Map Nerd Consulting

View their submission here.


WILDCARD

First Place: Center for Neighborhood Technology

Center for Neighborhood Technology in collaboration with IBM and Blue Conduit wowed the judges with their out-of-the-box idea to quickly and equitably remove lead pipes.

Watch the Awards Ceremony and learn how you might adapt their tools and resources in your community.