The discovery in 2004 of lead contam. in D.C.¿s drinking water resulted in an admin. order between the EPA and D.C.¿s Water and Sewer Authority (WASA), requiring WASA to take a number of corrective actions. WASA also took longer-term measures, incl. a $400 million program to replace 35,000 lead service lines. Water utilities nationwide are under increasing pressure to make significant investments to upgrade aging and deteriorating infrastructures, improve security, serve a growing pop¿n., and meet new regulatory require. This testimony discusses: WASA¿s efforts to address lead contam. in light of its other pressing water infrastructure needs; and the extent to which WASA¿s challenges are indicative of those facing water utilities nationwide. Illus.