Water staff warns aging asbestos pipes could threaten drinking water

A water department staff member said aging water lines identified as asbestos pipes could introduce contaminants associated with cancer and expressed concern for residents' drinking water safety.

The comment, made during the meeting, highlighted potential public health risks from deteriorating pipe material and underscored the department’s stated priority to keep water safe for residents. "The water department identified aging lines, that were asbestos pipes. You know, we don't want any sort of, cancer contaminants, as have been associated with, asbestos lines, you know, to affect residents. We wanna make sure it is safe for folks to drink," the staff member said.

The transcript does not specify how many lines are affected, the geographic extent, a timeline for replacement or remediation, or potential funding sources for repairs or replacement. No formal motion or vote related to the comment appears in the record.

Officials did not attach the remark to a specific statute or regulation in the transcript; the remark should be read as a staff-level observation and concern rather than a formal finding or regulatory determination.

If the matter advances to formal action, officials would need to provide details on the number of affected pipes, testing results, remediation plan and funding sources.