Lead Service Line Replacement Cost Calculator included in the UNFCCC Nairobi Work Programme as a climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction tool
The Lead Service Line Replacement Cost Calculator® (LSLRCC), developed by Environmental & Public Health International® (EPHI), has been included in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Nairobi Work Programme Adaptation Knowledge Platform.
The tool supports climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction by strengthening planning for drinking water infrastructure, a critical and climate sensitive system with direct implications for public health and community resilience.
Relevance to disaster risk reduction and climate risk
Climate change is increasing risks to drinking water systems through flooding, drought, temperature stress, and infrastructure deterioration. Aging lead service lines represent a persistent vulnerability that can exacerbate public health impacts during climate related disasters and emergency response conditions.
By supporting systematic planning for lead service line replacement, the LSLRCC addresses underlying drivers of disaster risk, including exposure of vulnerable populations, aging infrastructure, and investment gaps. This aligns with the Sendai Framework’s emphasis on reducing disaster risk through risk informed development and prevention oriented infrastructure investment.
Contribution to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction
The LSLRCC directly supports implementation of the Sendai Framework through the following priorities:
- Priority 1: Understanding disaster risk
The tool enables users to quantify infrastructure replacement costs and assess scale of exposure related to lead service lines, supporting evidence based understanding of public health and infrastructure risk. - Priority 2: Strengthening disaster risk governance
By providing a transparent, standardized methodology, the calculator supports coordinated planning among utilities, local governments, Tribal governments, regulators, and funding entities. - Priority 3: Investing in disaster risk reduction for resilience
The LSLRCC supports risk informed investment planning by linking public health protection with climate resilient infrastructure decision making and funding readiness.
The tool does not function as a response mechanism but as a preventive planning instrument, consistent with the Sendai Framework’s focus on reducing risk before disasters occur.
Supporting Implementation Ready Adaptation Planning
The free, web based calculator is designed for use by Tribal governments, local governments, public water systems, planners, and funding applicants. It supports transparent cost estimation for lead service line replacement and facilitates alignment between public health objectives, climate adaptation strategies, and disaster risk reduction planning.
Inclusion in the UNFCCC Nairobi Work Programme reflects growing recognition of drinking water infrastructure as a foundational element of climate resilience and disaster risk management.
Linkages to the Sustainable Development Goals
By strengthening access to safe drinking water and supporting resilient infrastructure investment, the LSLRCC contributes to progress on the Sustainable Development Goals related to health, clean water and sanitation, sustainable cities, and climate action, while reinforcing integrated climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction approaches.