KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The City of Kalamazoo has been aggressively working to replace lead service lines to homes, but despite that, they still have a long way to go before they will be finished.
The effort began years ago, even before the Flint water crisis put a spotlight on the problem. Since then replacement efforts have picked up momentum, as more state and federal funding has become available.
Utility Director Jim Baker says despite replacing 5,000 lines in the last 30-years, there are still a lot of lines out there that don’t meet new safety rules.
“Between 6,800 and 7,000 pipes that we would categorize as non-copper,” said Baker who stressed that it was difficult work, costing $5,500 to 10,000 per home to install copper lines.
Baker says they want to aggressively seek state and federal funding and get it done as soon as they can.
“The City of Kalamazoo goal is to have all lead service lines replaced by 2037,” continued Baker who said that under state law, the project would have to be completed by 2041.
He says they will be working on the north side for the next few years, and then move on to other neighborhoods with older homes.
If they find homes with unsafe lead levels, they don’t wait They install filters until they can send in a city crew to replace the service lines.
Anyone on city water can have their home tested for free.
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