Meriden utilities report: initial lead tests show no lead, next steps include master pits at schools

Public Utilities Director Bill Norton told the Parks, Public Works & Recreation Committee that the city’s contractor, Arcadis, completed an initial round of about 400 test pits for lead and copper at service connections and found no lead in those samples.

"We've done our 400 initial test pits, no lead, which is very good," Norton said, and added the team will begin statistical modeling and then proceed to master-pit testing at multi-unit buildings, schools and childcare facilities. Norton said the city has identified 62 schools and childcare sites in Meriden and expects to perform approximately 56 of the required master pits; high schools may be exempt because of age cutoff rules.

Norton also reported recent site visits with engineers from Hazen and Sawyer to the Elmer Water Treatment Facility and the Kensington Well to assess filtration and potential revitalization. Water-main cleaning and lining continues (Pearl Street and Clinton Street work is near completion) and a hydroflow flushing program remains in operation. If next-week testing of reconnected lines shows no detrimental materials, staff plan to move forward with reconnections and the next phases of distribution work.

Committee members asked whether supply-chain delays are still impacting projects. Norton said some large electrical components and vehicle procurements have longer lead times, but most traditional supplies remain obtainable, and he warned certain specialized equipment continues to have extended delivery windows.