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Town to notify 165 customers with unknown service‑line materials; inspections planned during water‑line projects
Summary
Staff told the commission that a service‑line inventory identified 165 service lines of unknown material; customers in the unknown category will receive letters and the town will inspect and replace any lead pigtails when lines are excavated during future projects.
The Richmond Water and Sewer Commission reviewed a service‑line inventory Nov. 18 that identified 165 customer service lines for which the material between the main and the curb stop is unknown. Staff said the unknowns must be notified because without documentation they cannot rule out the presence of lead "pigtails" (the short segment between the main and the curb stop often installed historically).
Staff proposed sending letters to the affected customers explaining that the material is unknown, providing staff contact information for questions, and stating that service segments will be inspected and replaced if necessary when the town performs water‑line excavation projects. A staff member said: "there is the possibility that it could be a Leed service line" (as transcribed); the intended term is "lead service line," and the article uses the conventional spelling.
Commissioners asked about the vintage of certain neighborhoods and whether planned projects (Tillen Avenue, Cochran Road, and Huntington Road) would resolve a large share of the unknowns; staff estimated that projects underway or planned could eliminate roughly 80% of the 165 unknowns. Staff also noted two specific locations with galvanized service lines (Railroad Street and one location across from Stone Corral) that require a different notification because galvanized lines can accumulate lead deposits and be treated as lead for testing guidance.
Staff emphasized there is currently no dedicated funding for digging and replacing service lines; they said federal and state programs such as DWSRF (Drinking Water State Revolving Fund) might provide money in future projects. In the meantime the town will document service‑line conditions during planned main replacements and follow state guidance for prioritized replacement.
Next steps: staff will revise the customer letter and infographic for clarity, include contact information, and send the notices to the 165 customers. The town will document service‑line material during upcoming replacement projects and replace lead pigtails if found, contingent on project approvals and funding.
