New ordinance requires replacement of lead pipes

It was about four years ago in Flint, Michigan that lead was discovered in municipal water supplies, causing multiple deaths and even more long-term illness.

Because of this, Eau Claire city officials say limiting the use of lead pipes has been their top priority.

Jeff Pippenger, Director of Community Services, says some of Eau Claire’s urban aqueducts are more than 100 years old.

“We have approximately 792 senior service lines that remain on the city side of the service,” he said.

But there’s more to private property.

“On the customer side, this number is a little higher because we replaced old water pipes that were connected to supply lines before 2017, and not all owners have replaced them at this point in time,” said Pippenger.

On Tuesday, the city council passed a new ordinance that will replace all major utility lines over the next 15 years, from the Chippewa Street and Second Avenue area to moving to other parts of the city.

“The new regulation ensures that the public and private parts are replaced at the same time,” said Kate Beaton of Eau Claire City Council.

The new ordinance also provides funding for homeowners to replace their old pipes with federal grants. The average replacement price is around $ 2,400.

“Our employees will work with individuals to determine their funding needs. Basically everyone in town is entitled to $ 2,000 to replace these lead pipes,” said Beaton.

The old pipes are lined with a small lead cladding. When the city treats the water, they use liquid lime to coat the inside of the pipe and ensure that the lead lining is never exposed.

Pippenger says if this food were exposed it could have dire consequences for the city’s drinking water and your health.

“It causes learning difficulties, brain damage and damage to the nervous system,” said Pippenger. “In some cases, kidney damage can occur, and high levels over a long period of time can even lead to death.”

Beaton says people shouldn’t be alarmed as the old pipes are still working just fine.

“People shouldn’t panic if they see their house has lead, but they can call city officials and clarify any questions and concerns they have,” she said.

For a map that highlights the areas that still use lead water pipes,

The map is on page 100 of the Eau Claire City Council’s January 14th session package.

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