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Wanamingo hires WHKS to design replacement of galvanized water service lines with state grant support
Summary
Council authorized WHKS to design, bid and oversee replacement of about ten galvanized water service lines after securing up to $250,000 from the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority; homeowners can opt out but must sign waivers and disclosures at sale.
The Wanamingo City Council approved a professional services agreement with engineering firm WHKS on May 11 to design and manage replacement of potentially galvanized water service lines identified in the city inventory.
Brandon Theobald told the council the city identified roughly 10 galvanized services (no known lead services) and received award of up to $250,000 from the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority to fund removals. Construction is planned for 2026–27; the city expects heavy regional demand for contractors and is preparing standard homeowner agreements that will spell out responsibilities and warranty periods.
Theobald said the work will likely rely on pipe-burst methods with potholing at connection points between the water main and houses; the city intends to use private plumbers for final connections and to address any basement concrete repairs. Homeowners may opt out, but opting out requires a signed waiver; if a homeowner declines, the city will record a disclosure at point of sale noting the presence of a potential galvanized or lead service line.
Councilmember Jeremiah Flotterud and others asked about homeowner choices and warranty terms; Theobald said template agreements are being developed and the city will present details to affected property owners as part of the project’s design phase. The professional services agreement passed 5-0 as Resolution 26-032.
