This week, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hosted a demonstration of emerging technologies to help combat lead exposure. The technologies on display at EPA’s Lead Service Line Identification Test Bed in Edison, New Jersey, have the potential to identify lead service lines faster, cheaper and with less disturbance than traditional methods.  

“EPA’s Lead Service Line Test Bed provides researchers with a dedicated space to evaluate innovative technologies under controlled conditions and assess their potential to address a critical public health challenge,” explained Teresa Booeshaghi, associate administrator of the Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions (OASES). “By advancing the science behind lead service line identification we can help more reliably address the issue while reducing the need for expensive excavation.”

EPA administrators witnessed the technology demonstrations from researchers at Dartmouth College and Drexel University.

Dartmouth University researchers demonstrated their electromagnetic induction (EMI) technology, which uses electromagnetic fields to induce and measure responses from buried metal pipes. Researchers analyze these responses to help distinguish pipe materials, including lead and copper, without exposing the pipes. Drexel’s team demonstrated their stress wave technology, which uses mechanical vibrations to help locate lead service lines. The researchers generate the vibrations by striking an extension rod connected to an accessible service line valve. The ground sensors capture signals traveling through the pipe and surrounding soil to help distinguish lead from non-lead service lines. 

Service lines are the pipes that carry drinking water from water mains to buildings, including homes, schools and offices. If a service line is made of lead, it can pose serious health risks, particularly for young children. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, public water systems are required to submit inventories detailing the materials that make up their service lines, including lead.

Most water systems—more than 97%—have completed these initial inventories. Technologies like those developed by Dartmouth and Drexel are making it easier and more cost-effective for water systems to identify exactly where those lead service lines are located, the EPA said.

“You can’t replace what you can’t find,” explained Michael Martucci, EPA Region 2 administrator. “Giving water systems better, less labor-intensive ways to locate lead pipes could make a tremendous difference for communities across the country.”

Learn more about EPA’s Lead Service Line Identification Test Bed.  

According to MarketsandMarkets™, the global flooring market, including hardwood, carpet, ceramic tiles and luxury vinyl planks, is projected to reach US$255.35 billion in 2031 from $208.19 billion in 2026, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.17% during the five years.

A massive surge in global construction activity spanning both new infrastructure and dense urban development automatically scales the raw square footage of surfaces that require finish materials. The renovation segment is expected to show the highest CAGR throughout the forecast period due to increased investment in building enhancement, interior design, and renovations of old residential and commercial properties.

More owners are choosing to replace old, unsightly or worn flooring. The rising popularity of interior design and the demand for modern finishes and materials are driving demand for ceramic tiles, luxury vinyl tiles, laminated surfaces, engineered wood and other floor coverings. As a result of renovation work, the need for flooring products that are easy to install, do not interrupt the workflow and can be installed over existing flooring is increasing. In commercial areas such as offices, stores, hotels and healthcare facilities, flooring is regularly upgraded to improve aesthetics, safety and usability.

By material, the non-resilient flooring segment accounted for the largest share at 73.57% of the overall market in 2025. The resilient flooring segment is anticipated to showcase significant growth during the forecast period, aided by the surging need for durable, affordable and easy-to-maintain flooring solutions, which are extensively utilized in residential, commercial and institutional applications.

Resilient flooring, including vinyl flooring, luxury vinyl tile (LVT), linoleum and rubber, provide varying levels of moisture resistance, comfort and durability. The appeal of resilient flooring is further supported by its ability to support interior design and simplify installation.

In turn, the report said adopting luxury vinyl flooring in homes, retail outlets, workplaces, hospitals and leisure establishments is a growing trend. Moreover, recent advancements in surface texture, finish, wear layer and dimensional stability are increasing the usability of resilient flooring across applications. Additionally, the easy maintenance of resilient flooring products over other conventional flooring products is further driving demand. 

By end-use industry, the residential segment accounted for the largest share at 64.61% of the overall market in 2025 and is projected to post the highest CAGR throughout the forecast period.

By region, North America is expected to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period, owing to consistent spending on renovations, improvement of residential assets and modernization of commercial properties. With a massive housing stock, demand for new flooring remains strong as homeowners pursue interior upgrades, aesthetic improvements and more durable materials. The growing popularity of luxury vinyl tiles, engineered wood, laminate and other modern flooring options gives manufacturers an opportunity to launch specialized residential flooring products.

In the business sector, office renovations and the modernization of warehouses, hotels, medical institutions and schools drive demand for flooring that meets standards for aesthetics, safety, durability and ease of maintenance. Additionally, investments in new construction and multifamily housing projects will increase installation needs in the region. Also, growing interest in bespoke interior designs and high-end flooring is driving demand for premium flooring products.