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Select Board reviews $400,000 request to inspect and replace possible lead service lines
Summary
Town staff asked the board for $400,000 (ARPA as first source) to investigate service‑line materials for roughly 298 uncertain connections and to fund replacements if lead is found, noting the work responds to an EPA requirement to inventory and remediate lead service lines where necessary.
Town staff told the Select Board the town must complete an inventory and, where required, replace service lines that contain or are associated with lead as part of federal EPA requirements.
Chris (DPW) explained the two‑stage scope the requested money would cover. First, the town needs to confirm the material of up to 298 service connections currently listed as 'unknown' in the inventory. That can require in‑home inspection or excavation of the curb stop to photo‑document the public‑side material. Chris said: “In the cases where we don't know the public line...the only way to look at it is to dig up that curb stop and look at it, take a picture.”
Second, after confirmation the town will identify whether replacements are required, and if so, will proceed with replacement work. Staff requested $400,000 for the combined investigation and initial replacement work; ARPA funds would be used first before tapping water enterprise retained earnings. Chris noted it is possible the investigation could show zero replacement is needed, but the town needs funding to be ready to act quickly if replacements are required.
Board members asked whether private‑side replacements would fall to homeowners and whether assistance options exist; Chris said guidance is not yet settled and the town would need to consult town counsel and state guidance before determining cost responsibilities for the private side. Staff emphasized the investigative step first and recommended confirming inventories prior to committing to replacement work.
Why it matters: Lead service lines present a public‑health issue and the EPA process includes inventory, verification, and replacement when lead is present. The dollar request and likely need for additional policy decisions about private‑side costs make this a substantive town finance and public‑health matter.
What’s next: Staff will proceed with the investigation plan if funding is approved at town meeting. The board did not take a final vote on the funding request at this meeting; staff flagged the $400,000 article and said ARPA funds would be exhausted before tapping water enterprise reserves.
