New Dartmouth Engineering Technology Aims to Help EPA Eliminate Lead Water Pipes

Dartmouth Engineering PhD candidate Max Orman-Kollmar '20 Th'21 tests the Ultralight Electromagnetic Array at EPA's lead service line testbed in Edison, NJ. (Photo by Fridon Shubitidze)

"We plan to demonstrate and validate what is, to our knowledge, the only technology capable of identifying buried pipe materials—lead, copper, and galvanized—without excavation," said Fridon Shubitidze, professor of engineering and director of the Electromagnetic Sensing Group which develops electromagnetic induction (EMI)-based systems. "This technology can rapidly and cost-effectively map entire water service lines, accelerate lead pipe replacement, reduce drinking water contamination, and ultimately put fewer lives at risk."

For this first phase of testing in March, the group deployed two versions of their "Ultralight Electromagnetic Array" to EPA's lead service line testbed in Edison, NJ. The week-long visit provided preliminary data and analysis in order to further optimize the array's ability to locate and differentiate pipe materials in support of the Lead and Copper Rule of the Safe Drinking Water Act.

"By leveraging these advanced EMI systems, this technology replaces reliance on historical records and physical inspections for identification of pipe material. Additionally, it improves our ability to accurately locate buried utilities, reducing the costly and dangerous risks of accidental strikes," said group member and PhD candidate Caylin Hartshorn.

Lead pipes continue to pose significant public health risks as an estimated 6.1 to 10.2 million lead water service lines remain in need of identification and replacement across the US. The lead contamination disaster in Flint, Michigan prompted new requirements including the development of lead service line inventories and replacement plans. Then, in 2024, the EPA established "Lead and Copper Rule Improvements," requiring drinking water systems nationwide to identify and replace lead pipes within 10 years.

"This project has the opportunity to remove literally millions of lead water lines still in use across the country," said group member and PhD candidate Max Orman-Kollmar '20 Th'21. "Having the chance to be part of an effort that will help so many communities is an honor, and I am really excited to make a difference."

The research group, which includes personnel from the nearby US Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, will return to the same testbed site in June or July for an independent evaluation before proceeding to more challenging field sites, such as on military installations.

Shubitidze said his Electromagnetic Sensing Group has been developing technologies for 26 years with one central purpose: making environments safer and saving lives.

Commented PhD student Randall Reynolds, another group member, "I attended an elementary school with lead pipes and grew up in a house with lead paint. Now, having the opportunity to work with the EPA to help remediate these environmental and health issues feels deeply personal. It's a rewarding chance to contribute to a meaningful cause."