Leveraging an Aggressive Inspection Program and Predictive Modeling to Develop an LSL Inventory for Jackson

When it comes to building a lead service line inventory, a one-size-fits-all approach is not a good fit for most communities. The reality is that most water agencies tend to have incomplete data—often found in a mix of paper records, spreadsheets, databases, PDF documents, and geographic information system (GIS) data. This was the case in Jackson, Mississippi. With little to no available records, a multi-pronged methodology was required. Under the direction of JXN Water, Inc., third-party manager for Jackson’s water distribution system, a service line (SL) inventory was developed using an aggressive potholing inspection program. Consisting of approximately 400 residential locations plus all 55 Jackson Public Schools, the team carried out approximately 1,600 inspections by hydro excavating and testing the lines. An ongoing meter replacement program also provided targeted information to aid inventory development. A key component to the success of this aggressive field program was the public outreach coordination across numerous consultants, contractors, and JXN Water. All the field potholing information obtained was input into a machine learning tool and using predictive modeling was able to guide teams in the next set of inspections. With the use of predictive modeling, the inspections were specifically targeted, resulting in cost savings. This paper will discuss Jackson, Mississippi’s story of successes and lessons learned in building, and maturing, their Lead Service Line Inventory and Replacement Plan. This program is just one important piece to rebuild the community’s trust in their water agency, all the while complying with the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Revisions.