Saint Paul Regional Water Services has a 10-year plan aimed at eliminating lead water service lines
St. Paul, Minnesota
Project Overview
Saint Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS) has launched the “Lead Free SPRWS” initiative, a comprehensive 10-year plan aimed at eliminating all lead water service lines within its service area at no cost to property owners. The program underscores SPRWS’s commitment to ensuring safe drinking water and safeguarding public health.
Background
Lead exposure through drinking water has been a longstanding concern, particularly in older cities like Saint Paul, where many homes built before 1926 are connected to water mains via lead service lines. Recognizing the severe health risks associated with lead—especially to children and pregnant women—SPRWS has been actively monitoring and addressing lead levels in the water supply. In recent years, heightened awareness and regulatory changes have prompted a more aggressive approach to lead mitigation, culminating in the “Lead Free SPRWS” initiative.
Program Implementation
The “Lead Free SPRWS” program encompasses the following key components:
- Lead Service Line Replacement: Over the next decade, SPRWS aims to replace all lead service lines within its jurisdiction, impacting approximately 26,000 properties. This effort is provided at no direct cost to property owners, ensuring equitable access to safe drinking water. Residents can verify the material of their service lines and submit intent forms through the SPRWS service material map to participate in the program.
- Community Engagement and Education: SPRWS places a strong emphasis on educating the community about lead risks and the steps being taken to mitigate them. This includes offering free lead testing for residents, providing detailed information on the health effects of lead, and outlining preventive measures homeowners can take. Additionally, SPRWS maintains an interactive online map where residents can check the material of their service lines and access resources related to lead exposure and mitigation.
Funding
The “Lead Free SPRWS” initiative is financed through a combination of federal and state funding. The 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided $50 billion to upgrade the nation’s drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, including $15 billion specifically dedicated to lead service line replacement. SPRWS has leveraged these federal funds to ensure the comprehensive replacement of lead service lines without imposing financial burdens on property owners.
St. Paul by the Numbers
- Population Served: SPRWS provides water services to approximately 450,000 residents across 14 communities.
- Lead Service Lines Identified: Approximately 26,000 properties within the SPRWS service area are estimated to have lead service lines.
- Lead Service Lines Replaced to date: 3,200
- Pitcher Filters Distributed to date: Approximately 4,500
Best Practices Implemented
Comprehensive Service Line Replacement
By committing to replace all lead service lines at no cost to property owners, SPRWS ensures a thorough and equitable approach to lead mitigation.
Protective Measures
The distribution of free, NSF-certified water pitcher filters provides residents with protection against lead exposure following a lead service line replacement.
Transparent Communication and Education
Maintaining an interactive online map, offering free lead testing, and providing accessible educational resources empower residents to take informed actions regarding their water quality.
Community Highlight
“This is a model for cities across the state and country on how to solve our shared problem of lead pipes in our water systems, while catalyzing people to attain living wage and middle-class jobs.”
Chris Tolbert - Board of Water Commissioners of the City of Saint Paul
Conclusion
The “Lead Free SPRWS” initiative exemplifies a proactive and comprehensive approach to eliminating lead exposure in drinking water. By combining full lead service line replacements with lead reducing filters and community engagement, Saint Paul is making significant strides toward ensuring safe drinking water for all residents. This program serves as a model for other communities aiming to implement effective lead mitigation strategies.
Recommendations for Other Communities
Develop a Comprehensive Replacement Plan:
Commit to identifying and replacing all lead service lines within the community, ensuring the safety of the water supply.
Provide Protective Measures:
Distribute certified water filters to residents after a lead service line replacement to provide protection against potential spikes in lead exposure after the replacement process.
Engage and Educate the Community:
Maintain transparent communication through public meetings, educational materials, and accessible online tools to keep residents informed and involved in lead mitigation efforts.
By adopting these best practices, communities can effectively address lead contamination in drinking water and safeguard public health.