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Council approves private service lateral replacement contract; aldermen note $1.2M city exposure
Summary
The council awarded a contract to replace private lead service laterals citywide; aldermen said earlier rounds were state/federal funded but this and future rounds will create an estimated $1.2 million cost to the city over three years.
The Watertown Common Council approved a contract for private lead service lateral replacements intended to eliminate remaining lead water laterals in the city.
Public Works brought the contract forward as part of a multi‑year program; Alderman Arnett moved the resolution to award the 2025 private service lateral replacement contract (exhibit 9743) and the council voted to approve the contract on the motion and second recorded in the minutes.
Alderman Lampe and others noted the public‑health significance: removing lead service laterals reduces exposure risk, especially for children. “To have all of our lead laterals gone is a huge plus for the city,” one alderman said during discussion.
Council debate clarified funding: earlier replacement rounds were fully state or federally funded, but subsequent rounds will require partial local funding. An alderman summarized anticipated city exposure: “The total cost over the 3 years is approximately $1,200,000 that we're anticipating will flow to the city.”
The council approved the contract by roll call; staff said work will be prioritized so areas with grant coverage proceed first and projects with less grant support will follow, allowing time for budgeting and coordination.
