Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure Lead Pipe topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Water superintendent reports near‑complete town inventory, identifies 5 lead services and outreach strategy
Summary
Falmouth’s water superintendent reported progress building a master service‑line inventory required by state and federal rules: about 7,000 private side services logged, 5 lead service lines identified (one confirmed property to be replaced by spring), 13 galvanized lines flagged and roughly 14,000 unknowns remaining to be surveyed.
Water Superintendent Matt Lannon presented an update to the Select Board on the town’s lead‑service line assessment work on Jan. 6.
Lannon described a multi‑year effort to compile a master list of service‑line materials after state and federal agencies requested inventories following Flint, Michigan. He said the town had reviewed about 23,000 water service records, has captured data on roughly 7,000 private service lines and still has about 14,000 unknowns where no on‑record information exists from the curb stop through the building foundation.
Lannon said the town identified five properties with historical lead service lines; of those, one home is confirmed and scheduled for lead service replacement by spring. He added the town also identified 13 galvanized services that may warrant replacement, because lead can adhere to galvanizing and complicate corrosion issues.
To fill gaps, the town mailed survey letters and set up a website and QR code where homeowners can upload photos of water service materials visible in basements or crawl spaces. Lannon said the approach produced only about 700 responses from 13,000 mailed surveys over the summer and fall; staff concluded in‑person surveys will be necessary for many properties and will offer free site visits, supported by the town’s engineering consultant, Tighe & Bond (Tate & Howard was referenced in the meeting packet). Lannon said the town plans focused village‑by‑village outreach starting in Woods Hole in spring and will offer in‑person inspections for homeowners who cannot use the QR code or who require assistance.
Board members asked about outreach, verification and options for seasonal residents; Lannon said limited smartphone access and seasonal occupancy reduced QR response rates and in‑person surveys will be used for homeowners who cannot complete the online form. He said the town will work to ensure inspectors carry proper identification and that the town will schedule appointments for interior access.
There was no vote required; the board received the update and asked staff to continue outreach and field surveys to complete the inventory that the state requires.
