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Council hears utilities update: EPA lead‑service survey deadline Oct. 16; staff warns of door‑to‑door follow up and meter access problems
Summary
Utility staff reported 26 survey responses and said the EPA deadline for lead service line photos/submissions is Oct. 16; staff also flagged widespread difficulty accessing water meters where homeowners have sheetrocked over them and proposed exploring meter pits and legal remedies.
Utility staff told the council that Crooks has received 26 responses so far to an EPA‑mandated lead service line survey and that the deadline for residents to submit photos online is Oct. 16. "We have 26 responses, and they've essentially told us everything that's installed after 1988 is fine," staff said; but staff stressed the town must collect pictures for recordkeeping and that door‑to‑door follow up will begin if submissions are not completed.
Staff also reported progress on GIS mapping of valves and noted ongoing natural‑gas main installations in new developments. A persistent operational problem was raised: crews are encountering water meters that have been sheetrocked over or enclosed inside homes, preventing exchanges and radio‑read upgrades. Staff recommended researching meter pits and said the city attorney would be asked about legal options for access.
Council members asked about enforcement and cost. Staff estimated a meter pit around $2,000 and said the town will try repeated outreach before pursuing shutoffs or legal remedies. The update also included a reminder that the state fire marshal enforces fire code provisions and that municipalities generally follow state standards for fire safety oversight on related permitting.
