Kingsport to seek $250,000 state grant to inventory service-line materials; staff say no lead lines identified so far

The Kingsport Board of Mayor and Aldermen unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute documents to receive a $250,000 state water infrastructure grant to inventory water service-line materials, with a required 15% local match.

Utilities staff said the project responds to Environmental Protection Agency guidance administered by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) that requires utilities to identify the materials used in service lines. The grant would fund a third party to help the city increase its knowledge of service-line materials from about 30% of customers to close to 100%.

Ryan, a city utilities staff member, told the board, "we have never seen a lead service line in Kingsport," adding that while plumbers and utility staff have not encountered them commonly, the city still must complete the inventory and send required notices. On timing, staff estimated it could take several years to complete the inventory; when aldermen pressed the estimate, staff said it was likely to require about five to seven years to reach full coverage.

Board members raised concerns that an initial, federally-provided form letter created public confusion. Staff said they are editing the letter to include clearer explanations and will point citizens to an existing hotline and a website where homeowners can check whether the city already knows their service-line material. Staff also said the inventory will cover all areas served by the system, including adjacent counties where Kingsport provides water service.

The resolution was moved by Alderman Baker, seconded by Alderman George, and approved 7-0. City staff emphasized the inventory is a compliance step under EPA/TDEC guidance and not a response to any specific local contamination event.