Utilities Fast-Track Lead Line Checks With New Deal

Electro Scan partnership with Core & Main widens access to lead service line detection as US utilities race to meet tighter EPA rules

22 Dec 2025

A distribution agreement between Electro Scan and Core & Main is widening access to technologies used by US water utilities to identify lead service lines, as operators face tighter deadlines under revised federal rules.

The partnership allows Core & Main, a major supplier of pipes, fittings and valves, to distribute Electro Scan’s SWORDFISH inspection tools, which are used to verify service line materials and detect leaks without excavation. The companies say the arrangement is intended to help utilities meet updated requirements under the Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Copper Rule more quickly.

US water systems are under pressure to complete accurate inventories of service line materials, many of which were installed decades ago and poorly documented. Utilities that misclassify lines face regulatory risk and potential delays in replacing lead pipes. Access to specialised inspection tools has also been uneven, particularly for smaller systems.

By adding SWORDFISH products to its catalogue, Core & Main is integrating inspection technology into a supply chain already used by thousands of utilities. The approach allows operators to source diagnostic tools alongside physical infrastructure materials, reducing procurement time and administrative complexity.

The partnership reflects a broader shift in how utilities manage ageing infrastructure. Regulators are increasingly expecting utilities to support service line inventories with verifiable data rather than historical records or visual checks alone. Non-invasive tools that confirm pipe materials in the field are becoming more important as reporting and audit requirements increase.

People familiar with the agreement say utilities are looking for solutions that fit existing purchasing practices while producing data that can withstand regulatory scrutiny. As public attention on lead exposure remains high, the ability to document decisions clearly has become a priority.

The deal also highlights the growing role of distribution strategy in the water sector. With federal funding for infrastructure rising and compliance deadlines approaching, suppliers that simplify deployment may gain an advantage over those relying on direct sales alone.

Utilities still face operational challenges. Staff must be trained to use inspection data effectively, and internal systems need to adapt to higher expectations on accuracy and transparency.

Even so, the partnership points to a gradual shift towards more data-driven compliance. By making advanced inspection tools easier to obtain, suppliers are helping utilities move faster in meeting regulatory demands and reducing uncertainty around lead service lines.