Board approves RWA access to replace lead service lines; vote 13‑2

The Milford Board of Aldermen voted July 6 to grant the Regional Water Authority (RWA) a limited right of entry to replace lead and galvanized water service lines on city properties, approving the measure by roll call, 13 yes to 2 no.

Kevin Watsey, a representative of the Regional Water Authority, told the board the authority has identified 12 known lead service lines and just under 100 galvanized lines in Milford and is launching a replacement program in Milford this summer or early fall. Watsey said the RWA will replace customer‑side service lines from the main into buildings and would begin the program at City Hall if approved; the work is intended to comply with the EPA’s revised Lead and Copper Rule and will be completed over an 11‑year period if funding is secured.

The RWA said the replacements would impose no direct cost to the town if state or federal grants and low‑interest loans are secured. But Watsey and aldermen acknowledged the program could be incorporated into the authority’s general rate structure if not fully covered by outside funding. Watsey said contractors are required to dispose of removed lead piping as hazardous waste per contract terms and that the RWA maintains insurance and warranties for its work.

Aldermen focused discussion on contractual protections and risk. Alderman Smith the 3rd asked whether the city had considered mutual indemnification; the RWA representative said the contractors are insured and that the authority seeks permission to enter municipal property to complete the customer‑side replacement. City Attorney John Bertram advised the board that indemnification clauses can create future exposures and that the limited right of entry as presented had been vetted; he recommended approval as proportionate to the work requested.

Alderman Smith Jr. and Alderman Winthrop Smith the 3rd recorded the two 'no' votes; the motion otherwise passed 13–2. The board’s motion authorized city officials to take necessary steps, including signing the agreement to allow RWA personnel and contractors to enter city property to perform replacements. Watsey said the RWA will first identify remaining unknown service lines, continue outreach to homeowners, and offer an opt‑out process for private property owners who do not wish to participate.

The RWA also noted it conditions water to mitigate lead leaching and conducts testing for customers known to have lead lines; it will follow local permitting and road‑opening protocols for any street work and will restore work areas after replacements.

Next steps: the RWA intends to schedule work as part of its pilot in Milford and to coordinate with public works on permits and restorations. The board’s authorization allows the authority to enter city property to perform the replacements and pursue available grant or loan funding.

"We are trying to get the lead out on the customer side," Watsey said in the presentation, "and we'll work with public works to ensure restoration and safety."