Cheyenne undertakes lead pipe service inventory and rehabilitation amid EPA mandates

In a recent work session held at Cheyenne City Hall, city officials gathered to discuss the implications of the upcoming fiscal year 2026 budget for the Board of Public Utilities (BOPU). The meeting, marked by a sense of urgency, highlighted the challenges posed by rising material costs and federal mandates regarding water infrastructure.

As the discussion unfolded, concerns about impending tariff increases took center stage. Contractors revealed that a 7% tariff hike on pipes and fittings, driven by international supply chain issues, could significantly impact the costs of water and sewer rehabilitation projects. This increase comes at a time when the city is already grappling with the financial implications of maintaining and upgrading its aging infrastructure.

The conversation shifted to the pressing issue of lead service lines, with officials noting that the Biden administration's mandate to replace all lead pipes by 2030 could cost Cheyenne an estimated $80 to $100 million. This daunting figure has been incorporated into the city’s five-year capital plan, but the lack of comprehensive records on existing service lines complicates the situation. City officials are currently conducting an inventory to identify the extent of lead pipes in the community, a task made more challenging by the fact that many records were previously maintained by homeowners.

In response to these challenges, BOPU has allocated $300,000 in the FY 2025 budget for initial investigations into lead service lines, with an additional $500,000 earmarked for FY 2026 to further this initiative. The city is also exploring potential funding sources to assist with these costly replacements, although they face limitations due to their size, as larger municipalities often do not qualify for certain state funding programs.

The meeting underscored the complexity of navigating federal regulations while ensuring the safety and reliability of Cheyenne's water supply. As officials work to address these pressing issues, the community remains on alert, aware that the decisions made today will shape the future of their water infrastructure and public health. With deadlines looming and costs rising, the path forward will require careful planning, collaboration, and perhaps a bit of luck in securing necessary funding.