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Council details lead-service-line notices, urges residents to get free inspections
Summary
Council members addressed letters about lead in a 60-house sample, saying 99% of the system is fine and that elevated results reflect private service lines; the city said it will inspect and replace lead lines at no cost to homeowners while program funds last.
The Taylor City Council discussed recent mailers about lead in drinking water and told residents the higher readings came from a targeted sample of roughly 60 homes with service lines likely to contain lead.
Chair (speaker S1) said the city’s tests do not indicate a widespread problem and that “99% of the city is fine,” adding that the elevated results are linked to service lines running from the street to older homes rather than to the water mains. He advised residents who have been away for extended periods to flush plumbing before drinking.
City staff explained the city has been contacting residents and building a database to identify lead service lines. A council member (speaker S6) said the city will send crews to inspect lines, and that “we have money there, to do that for free,” encouraging homeowners to respond to mailers and the Taylor Today notices.
Public comments and council discussion described how a recent demonstration of a line replacement was handled: crews located the curb stop, removed the existing line and reconnected a plastic service without major yard disruption. A councilmember who observed the work praised the crews’ professionalism.
Officials cautioned that, after the city’s outreach efforts and as state requirements evolve, responsibility for replacement could shift to a seller or buyer at the time of real estate transactions, and future costs were estimated in discussion to range from about $10,000 to $20,000 if the city’s program were no longer covering replacements.
The council urged residents who receive notices to call the Department of Public Works to request a free inspection and to check whether their service line is copper. Residents were directed to the city website and Taylor Today for photos and instructions on how to identify service-line materials.
The discussion concluded without further action beyond urging homeowners to engage with the city’s program. The council adjourned after completing the agenda.
