Young, Gifted & Green Among other Leaders Recognized at the 2026 American Water Works Association ACE Conference

Washington DC–On June 23, 2026, the Lead Service Line Replacement Collaborative (LSLRC) recognized Young, Gifted & Green for their highly successful Lead Free Memphis initiative among 16 other leaders and programs that have demonstrated excellence in one or more facets of lead service line (LSL) replacement. The “Honoring Excellence in LSL Replacement” initiative, which held its award ceremony alongside the American Water Works Association’s Annual Conference, aims to spotlight the many communities working to remove LSLs from their water systems and reduce the health risks of lead exposure.

The U.S. EPA estimates that over 4 million LSLs remain connected to water systems in the United States. There is no safe level of lead exposure. It is especially harmful for young children, affecting brain development and contributing to lower IQs. Launched in the wake of the Flint Michigan Water Crisis, the Collaborative is a consortium of 28 national organizations committed to accelerating LSL replacement by providing how-to resources, amplifying good practices, and facilitating cross-sector collaboration.

This recognition event marks the Collaborative’s 10th anniversary. Over that time, water system and communities across the country have made great strides in replacing LSLs. Awardees were recognized for excelling in areas that are essential to effective LSL replacement and that align with the Collaborative’s principles, including technical efficiency, fiscal savvy, community engagement, and ensuring equal access to programs and services. The ceremony also honored individuals who have demonstrated longstanding leadership in the space:

“This honor reflects the heart of our Lead Free Memphis initiative and the families driving it forward. Together, we are proving that every neighborhood deserves clean, safe drinking water, and that getting lead pipes out of the ground is how we protect our children and build healthier communities. We are proud to be honored among other national leaders advancing this work.”–LaTricea D. Adams, MAT, EdS, Founder CEO & President | Young, Gifted & Green

About Young, Gifted & Green

Young, Gifted & Green (YGG) is a national environmental justice and civil rights organization with the purpose of bringing like-minded organizations together to collectively take action and advocate against the crisis of lead exposure and environmental injustices in disadvantaged communities.

Learn more about Young, Gifted & Green at www.younggiftedgreen.org.