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CBU director outlines lead service-line inventory, assistance changes and water repairs with $19.8M in main-replacement CIP
Summary
Catherine Zager told residents the city is inventorying private service-line materials to meet EPA lead-and-copper rule requirements, expanded a $100,000 annual financial-assistance program to reduce barriers (including post-disconnection reapplicants), expects fluoride to be restored by month’s end with a temporary system, and noted a CIP allocating $19,800,000 to water-main replacement.
Catherine Zager, director of Bloomington Utilities (CBU), used the town hall to walk residents through multiple water-system updates, including the lead service-line inventory required by the Environmental Protection Agency’s lead-and-copper rule.
Zager said the city is proactively identifying unknown private service-line materials and asked residents with 'unknown' records to use CBU’s online tool (an interactive aid co-developed with NPR’s tool) to help prioritize replacements. “The more customer participation we have, the faster we’ll update our records and prioritize work,” she said.
Financial-assistance changes: Zager said the utility budgeted $100,000 annually for assistance and revised the program to remove barriers. Customers can now receive consecutive assistance if they reapply and meet eligibility; applications are accepted even after disconnection to allow restoration of service if program criteria are met. Zager gave an application link through South Central Community Action Program (SCAP).
Fluoride and main breaks: Zager said CBU removed a leaking bulk fluoride tank and installed a temporary system approved by the relevant authority; she expects fluoridation to resume by the end of the month after a final part is installed and testing is complete. On recent main breaks, Zager credited weather-driven freeze-thaw cycles and aging infrastructure, explained the utility’s repair methods (full-seal clamps or pipe replacement followed by flushing and testing), and noted the capital improvement plan allocates $19,800,000 to water-main replacement and valve servicing.
Next steps: When the fluoride system is fully tested, CBU will issue a press release. Zager encouraged residents to use CBU’s inventory page and contact assistance partners if they need help.
