Malden council approves $17 million borrowing to accelerate lead service line replacement

The Malden City Council on May 1 approved an order to borrow $17,000,000 to pay costs of designing and replacing lead water service lines across the city, with the treasurer authorized to issue bonds or notes and to use the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) lead service line replacement program if available.

Councilor Lauren McDonald, who presented the measure in finance committee, said the $17 million estimate is intended to remove “the almost 2,700 remaining lead service lines in Malden by 2032,” using MWRA financing that McDonald described as a 10-year, zero-interest loan with at least 25% forgiveness. “It’s an incredible deal,” McDonald said.

McDonald explained that lead service lines have a public and a private portion and that the MWRA program requires replacement of the full service to avoid increased lead release. She said the city previously required lead-line removal at home sales and has long sought to reduce lead exposure, and that the city negotiated a consent order in 2017 that set prior removal rates.

Councilors discussed the financing approach and potential for federal or state grant dollars to reduce borrowing needs; Councilor Winslow noted the $17 million functions as a line of credit that can be supplemented by grants and that there may be reimbursements later. Winslow said the council has worked to increase replacement rates from historic levels.

On a roll-call vote the council approved the borrowing order; the clerk recorded unanimous support. Councilors and staff said the administration expects to apply for MWRA program financing later in the week and begin work as soon as June if funding is secured.

The appropriation is structured as borrowing authorized under Massachusetts General Laws chapter 44, section 8(5) and may be financed through MWRA programs. The council added several members as sponsors of the measure before the final vote.