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Middletown narrows unknown lead-service-line inventory to about 1,100; officials cite 75% grant coverage and plan bond funding
Summary
Department staff told the WPCA that a recent inventory reduced possible lead-service-line entries from 2,600 to roughly 1,100, that the state may cover about 75% of replacement costs, and that the department plans to include replacement work in a future bond (estimate ~ $4.2 million). Satellite-based detection identified 81 potential sites now under field investigation.
Deputy Department staff told the Middletown WPCA on Feb. 25 that a recent inventory in partnership with Kleinfelder reduced the list of unknown or potentially lead service lines from about 2,600 to roughly 1,100. The department provided that list to the state and said it was required to contact affected customers within 30 days.
Officials said funding mechanisms would include state grant support covering about 75% of replacement costs, leaving an estimated 25% local share. The department plans to include lead-service-line replacement in a future bond referendum, with a planning estimate discussed at roughly $4.2 million.
Deputy staff described operational obstacles: many properties are rentals and tenants often deny access, and some baseline sampling historically showed no lead hits in selected houses, raising homeowner hesitancy to replace lines. Staff said replacement work is scheduled to begin in 2027 under regulatory timelines and funding availability.
The authority also reported a new satellite-assisted inspection contract that found "81 potential sites" now being followed up with field work. Chairman Gardner and members emphasized the need for clear homeowner outreach and cautioned against promising cost coverage until formal grant commitments are secured.
Next steps: finish field verification of the 81 potential sites, continue homeowner outreach, finalize funding plan and place lead-service-line replacement on a future bond referendum for voter approval.
