Des Moines begins lead water line replacement with federal aid
Des Moines is making progress on a program to replace lead water service lines in 20,000 homes, with federal legislation announced to help homeowners pay for the expensive repairs.Des Moines Water Works CEO Amy Kahler said, “Replacing 20,000 lead water lines is a challenging and expensive issue.” The first neighborhood to receive the lead service line replacement is located just south of Drake University, where 400 homes meet federal income guidelines for assistance. The area includes homes south of University Avenue and north of the freeway, between 17th and 28th streets. Qualifying homeowners will receive state and federal aid to cover the average $10,000 pipe replacement cost. Resident Anna Jones said, “I think it’s the most important part of it, because that’s what stops anyone from making improvements around here. So with the financial assistance or if they’re covering it, I think that’s paramount.”The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is requiring cities across the country to replace old lead service lines, which are considered a health risk, with $15 billion set aside for this purpose. During a news conference, Rep. Zach Nunn announced another bill that will ensure the funds directly benefit homeowners. “This is a smart policy. It’s already paid for, and it puts families in clean water for our communities,” Nunn said.Des Moines Mayor Connie Boesen said, “This program eases the financial worries of residents and allows Des Moines Water Works to be proactive in their efforts to continue to provide safe and clean drinking water for all residents.”Cities have 10 years to fix the lead service pipe issue, and Des Moines Water Works says the sooner the better. Kahler noted, “Lead pipes are a liability as long as they are in the ground.” Des Moines Water Works predicts it will cost $200 million to replace all lead service lines in the city, with letters about the process going out to affected homeowners next month.
Des Moines is making progress on a program to replace lead water service lines in 20,000 homes, with federal legislation announced to help homeowners pay for the expensive repairs.
Des Moines Water Works CEO Amy Kahler said, “Replacing 20,000 lead water lines is a challenging and expensive issue.”
The first neighborhood to receive the lead service line replacement is located just south of Drake University, where 400 homes meet federal income guidelines for assistance. The area includes homes south of University Avenue and north of the freeway, between 17th and 28th streets. Qualifying homeowners will receive state and federal aid to cover the average $10,000 pipe replacement cost.
Resident Anna Jones said, “I think it’s the most important part of it, because that’s what stops anyone from making improvements around here. So with the financial assistance or if they’re covering it, I think that’s paramount.”
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is requiring cities across the country to replace old lead service lines, which are considered a health risk, with $15 billion set aside for this purpose. During a news conference, Rep. Zach Nunn announced another bill that will ensure the funds directly benefit homeowners.
“This is a smart policy. It’s already paid for, and it puts families in clean water for our communities,” Nunn said.
Des Moines Mayor Connie Boesen said, “This program eases the financial worries of residents and allows Des Moines Water Works to be proactive in their efforts to continue to provide safe and clean drinking water for all residents.”
Cities have 10 years to fix the lead service pipe issue, and Des Moines Water Works says the sooner the better.
Kahler noted, “Lead pipes are a liability as long as they are in the ground.”
Des Moines Water Works predicts it will cost $200 million to replace all lead service lines in the city, with letters about the process going out to affected homeowners next month.