Page last updated on June 22, 2022 at 3:38 pm
Each week, Mayor Hamilton and Deputy Mayor Griffin provide video updates on recent news and key initiatives.
Transcript
John Hamilton:
Hi, I'm Mayor John Hamilton.
Don Griffin:
And I'm Don Griffin, Deputy Mayor for the City of Bloomington. And today, we're going to talk to you about updates on our new upcoming utilities project that will identify active lead water service lines in our distribution system.
John Hamilton:
It's a big deal.
Don Griffin:
It is a big deal.
John Hamilton:
I know people care about lead lines. A lot of us, of course, were incredibly concerned about what we heard in Flint, Michigan, almost 10 years ago now. And lead, there are a lot of lead water lines all over the country, and we are starting a project in Bloomington to find every lead service line. That's the line that goes from the city's piece of the pipe into your house. And we're starting the process to find all of those lead service lines over the next year or two.
Don Griffin:
I'm sure those watching are wondering what happens when the utilities folks enter their property.
John Hamilton:
Well, it's not too big a deal. You actually don't have to be home. It doesn't cost you anything. It won't interrupt your water service. What happens is utilities has a fancy new truck that they bought with some of the federal recovery money that will dig two holes on either side of your meter, and we can check exactly what kind of water line you have. And, before they leave, they'll fill the hole in; they'll put some straw and grass or recede the thing back. So, this is a way to make sure we know, all through the city of Bloomington, where every single lead line is.
Don Griffin:
Is this a big hole, or?
John Hamilton:
I think it's about 12" or dinner plate, maybe a little bigger. And then, hopefully, you won't notice it when they're gone.
Don Griffin:
Fantastic.
John Hamilton:
There are a couple of pretty important things. One, just because you have a lead service line doesn't mean you have lead in the water in your home. In fact, you typically don't because our utility department works really hard to put the right pH so that it scales up on a lead line and that you don't get any leaching. So, what we do know, though, is there's a lot of federal money coming that will help us, I think, replace every one of those lines. That's an expensive thing to do. Typically, homeowners are responsible, but we're hoping to get federal money for that. And, the only other thing I'd mention is if you are concerned, if anybody's concerned about lead in your water, there's a free program through the water utility department that will test your water for you. You get a kit, and you can get it out of your tap and get the water tested to be sure that your water doesn't have lead in it.
Don Griffin:
So, I'm sure folks out there are wondering; they go out there, they test the pipes, and they find lead. What's next?
John Hamilton:
Well, again, we have extremely safe water in the water system. We just released our annual report showing we meet all the federal guidelines. And, just because you have a lead service line, a lot of us have lead service lines, but they don't cause lead leaching into the water itself. But, we want to be sure. And, if you're worried about it, you can get your water tested; just contact the City of Bloomington Utilities.
Don Griffin:
Thanks again, Mayor. Now, if you want more information, there are many more details available and frequently asked questions on the city's website. We encourage you to check it out and as always, thank you for tuning in. Take care.
Related Press Releases
City of Bloomington Utilities Begins Inventory to Identify Lead Water Service Lines–Click here.