New York Construction Report staff writer
A project aimed at replacing 772 residential lead and galvanized drinking water service lines in the City of Rochester was announced this week.
The $5 million initiative, funded by a $3 million Water Infrastructure Improvement Act (WIIA) grant from the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC), marks a significant stride towards the City’s goal of eliminating all lead service lines by 2030.
The project involves excavation and abandonment of existing lead, lead-lined, and galvanized water service lines, followed by the installation of new water main taps, service piping, curb stops, and curb boxes. The work will also include surface restoration and the flushing of service lines to ensure clean water flow from the water main to the meter.
With funds from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the EFC and the New York State Department of Health (DOH), is administering these funds through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF). The City of Rochester is eligible for $48 million in BIL grants and interest-free financing for lead service line replacement projects.
Lead, a harmful toxin, can infiltrate drinking water when plumbing materials containing lead corrode. This issue is particularly prevalent in older cities and homes built before 1986, where lead pipes are commonly found. The New York State Lead Service Line Replacement Program, backed by the State Clean Water Infrastructure Act, has already invested $30 million in identifying and replacing lead service lines statewide.
In the past five years, Rochester has received over $5.6 million in WIIA grants for water system improvements, including today’s $3 million grant. The WIIA program underscores New York State’s commitment to upgrading water and sewer systems, mitigating water pollution, and addressing emerging contaminants.
“Safe drinking water is a right – not a privilege. And the removal of lead from service lines is critical to delivering safe water,” said Maureen A. Coleman, President & CEO of the EFC. “Under the leadership of Governor Hochul, EFC and our partners in federal, state, and local government are working to ensure that communities across New York receive the support they need to undertake projects that are vital to their residents’ public health and quality of life.”
For more information, click this link: EFC Community Assistance Teams.
