Officially starting the process of replacing approximately 6,000 lead and galvanized pipes supplying water to private developments in Lincoln, city officials are inviting residents to an open house Thursday, June 6, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Nebraska Student Union – Regency Suite (1400 “R” Street) to learn about Lead Safe Lincoln Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) Program.
Lincoln Transportation and Utilities Director (LTU) Liz Elliot announced the initiative in December 2023, responding to a new federally proposed mandate requiring the removal of over 9 million lead pipes nationwide. Elliot said 200 pipes were scheduled for replacement in 2024, with the target of replacing 500 each year after.
The open house is designed to provide information for those likely to have a lead or lead-contaminated galvanized service line set to be replaced with new, safe, copper service lines.
“The main portion of properties affect were built before 1950, and primarily before 1930,” LTU Assistant Director Donna Garden told KLIN News. “It was a material that was used that wasn’t recognized as being a health issue back at that time.”
Garden reiterated that the city’s main water line safe from lead contamination, meeting or exceeding EPA regulations. However, the concern arises as clean water encounters outdated private service-lines, picking up particles from the pipes.
“People can come to the open house and see how the program will actually function,” said Garden. “Residents wondering ‘What’s going to happen if I’m next in line to have my pipes replaced? What’s going to happen?’ That’s what this open house will go over.”
No formal presentation is planned for the open house. Representatives from Lincoln Water System and the project team will be available to discuss the project.
Parking is available at the 17th and “R” Street garage. For more information on this public open house, visit lincoln.ne.gov/LeadSafe.