City could help pay to replace lead pipes where Saskatoon homeowners previously opted out of work

SASKATOON – In an effort to eradicate lead pipes, a city committee recommends that the city of Saskatoon settle the bill for homeowners looking to replace private lead pipes in areas where city-side pipes have already been removed. .

More than a decade ago, when the city replaced lead service lines in some areas, around 350 property owners declined to replace their shares from the property line to the home.

There is currently no program in place to upgrade these quirky properties, many of which have changed hands over the years, the city said.

During a meeting on Monday, the city’s utility committee endorsed a plan to offer homeowners in these areas an option similar to what is now offered in neighborhoods where pipeline exchanges are taking place.

Since 2010 homeowners can no longer do without work.

Under the proposal, homeowners would have to pay up to $ 3,520 before the city pays additional costs.

“(We) wanted a fairer approach and a unified approach to bringing everyone toward the same goal of replacing our senior service lines by 2026,” said Ward 8 Coun. Sarina Gersher, chairwoman of the municipal utility committee.

The recommendation says the city will spend an average of $ 480 to $ 2,480 on replacing the water pipes.

Michele Acton has lived in Nutana since 1996 and is delighted that these old lead pipes are finally being torn open.

“It’s a very good thing that they are coming to this, yes. These houses are all so old and the infrastructure is so old, ”Acton said.

Acton and her family were aware of the potential health risks associated with lead ingestion.

“We always showered before going to work, and we showered upstairs. When you came downstairs to make coffee and use the water, you had already passed it through the system and so on. So it wasn’t a problem, ”said Acton.

“Now that we’re at home, we actually have to run a little more water before we have coffee in the morning or whatever.”

The plan still requires the approval of the city council. The next meeting is planned for August 30th.