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Council briefed on lead service‑line survey requirement, daunting compliance and cost implications
Summary
Staff updated the council on a lead and copper service-line survey and replacement-plan requirement with a Nov. 27 compliance deadline. The town is largely 'unknown' (about 95%) for service-line materials and faces costly excavation, hydro‑vac rental/contracting, and replacement-planning work.
Town staff briefed the council on newly updated lead and copper service-line rules requiring the town to identify service‑line materials for both the customer side and the utility side and to submit an inventory and replacement plan by Nov. 27. Staff said the system is currently roughly "95% unknown," meaning the town cannot prove materials in most taps and therefore cannot certify lead‑free status.
Council and staff discussed practical approaches: sampling a percentage of taps, using hydro‑excavation equipment to avoid disruptive backhoe digs, or contracting an outside firm. Jonathan (staff) said rental pricing and contracting estimates are being gathered; a hydro‑vac unit rental minimums were discussed and initial figures reviewed. He warned that if service lines cannot be proven non‑lead, replacement obligations could follow and the town will need to budget for potential large costs. Members asked for an inventory-based starting point and for procurement quotes to scope cost and schedule.
