City renews lead service line contract with AGL to expedite replacements

In a recent meeting of the Water and Sewer Board in Englewood City, Colorado, officials discussed the renewal of the lead service construction contract with AGL, a key step in the city's ongoing lead reduction program. This program, initiated in March 2023, aims to replace lead and galvanized steel service lines throughout the city, addressing public health concerns related to lead exposure in drinking water.

The lead reduction initiative began with the hiring of Hazen as the program manager and the development of a service line inventory. This inventory has been crucial for verifying the presence of lead service lines and for securing funding through the state revolving fund, which was finalized in May 2024. Since the program's inception, approximately 1,900 properties have been verified, with findings aligning closely with initial projections regarding lead presence.

Currently, the city is focused on the South Central replacement zone, with a goal to replace all identified lead or galvanized steel service lines within five years. However, officials are optimistic that this target may be achieved in as little as three years. AGL's responsibilities include verifying service line materials, replacing an estimated 3,000 lines, and engaging directly with homeowners during the replacement process.

The meeting highlighted the importance of community engagement, as AGL will conduct pre-construction consultations and enter homes during the replacement work. Additionally, the contractor will install meter pits where necessary and has been tasked with new responsibilities, such as installing insertion valves and replacing aging water mains. These measures are intended to enhance the water distribution system's reliability and efficiency.

As of the meeting, 654 service line replacements have been completed. AGL was selected for this contract through a competitive bidding process, and they have committed to maintaining pricing stability throughout the program. The projected budget for the 2025 program year remains at $10.45 million, with an additional request for $2.8 million in contingency funds.

Board members raised questions about the accuracy of service line material assessments, noting that some residents have reported previously replacing their lines with copper. Officials clarified that their potholing method, which involves checking connections at the water main, has revealed that about 10-11% of previously identified copper lines still have residual lead or galvanized sections. This finding underscores the importance of thorough verification to ensure the complete removal of lead service lines.

The discussions at this meeting reflect Englewood City's commitment to improving water quality and public health through proactive infrastructure upgrades. As the program progresses, officials anticipate further collaboration with AGL and continued community engagement to ensure the successful replacement of lead service lines across the city.