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MLGW takes aim at identifying & replacing lead service lines on private property in pilot program

When it comes to banishing lead from its infrastructure, Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) has been ahead of the curve. The utility hasn’t installed lead water pipes in well over 60 years.

However, service lines on private property—the underground and in-home pipes that bring water to the faucet—are a different story. In many older homes, these pipes still pose a disproportionate health risk to low-income residents in aging neighborhoods.

To address this, MLGW hopes to launch a pilot program aimed at identifying and replacing lead service lines on private property, with the help of federal funding.

“It’s necessary for the health and safety of all Memphians, especially the most vulnerable,” said MLGW Chief Operating Officer Doug McGowan during a recent presentation previewing the program. While the specifics of implementation are still being refined, McGowan emphasized the importance of taking immediate action to mitigate the risks of lead exposure.

Memphis residents can check the status of their service lines through an online tool, (https://www.mlgw.com/waterservicelines) where homeowners can search by address to find out whether their lines contain lead, galvanized steel, or other materials.

The tool also offers steps residents can take in the meantime to reduce exposure, including running their water for at least 20 seconds before consuming it. This allows any lead sediment inside the pipes to flush through.

MLGW also uses sodium hexametaphosphate, an anti-corrosive but otherwise chemically inert additive, to do its work. Sodium hexametaphosphate coats the inside of pipes, helping to reduce the risk of lead leaching into the water.

Pilot Program to Address Lead on Private Property

Although MLGW has a framework in place for its lead service line replacement program, the details are still being refined. On Monday, MLGW hosted a roundtable meeting with stakeholders, including members of the Lead Safe Collaborative, the health department, city council, and other agencies. The goal of the meeting was to gather input and ensure that the program addresses the needs of the community.

The utility has already replaced thousands of utility-owned lead service lines since 2012, but the challenge now is replacing the lines that fall under private ownership. These are the lines that run from the water meter into homes—an area where lead contamination risks remain high, especially in older and low-income neighborhoods.

“We’re bringing people together to get their input,” McGowan explained. “This is about doing the right thing for people, particularly those in disadvantaged areas who might not be able to afford the private-side replacements.”

MLGW’s proposed pilot program would identify 10-15 “qualified homes” to replace the water lines. The idea is to not only take care of these customers, but to refine a process for executing future jobs.

But McGowan acknowledged that fixing pipes on private property raises prickly questions. The most obvious is, of course, who pays for it: MLGW? The homeowner? What if the property owner is a cash-rich out of town investor who can afford the replacement themselves? If not, what about the tenants who will live with the health consequences?

“This is a controversial issue,” McGowan said. “Many times, public sector funding to be used on a private property is an issue, and I understand that issue.

“Just like ratepayer money, which is not what we’re talking about here, being used,” he continued. “Let’s say you don’t have a lead service line. You wouldn’t want your water rates going up to pay for someone else’s lead service line on their private property to be replaced. That doesn’t seem fair either.”

With federal funds on the table, including allocations from the American Rescue Plan Act and State Revolving Loan Funds, MLGW is poised to make a significant push.

The utility estimates it can replace over 10,000 public-side lines and more than 6,000 private-side lines within the next 10 years.

This initiative, which requires a total investment of $110 million, aims to address the long-standing issue of lead exposure in drinking water for the city’s most vulnerable populations.

One of the key goals of the program is to assist income-qualifying residents who may otherwise be unable to afford the replacement of their private-side lines. MLGW has stressed that without this assistance, many households would continue to be exposed to lead-contaminated water.

Everyday Steps for Water Safety

While MLGW prepares for the launch of its replacement program, residents are encouraged to take immediate precautions to reduce the risks of lead exposure. One of the simplest actions is to run water for at least 20 seconds before drinking, which helps flush out any stagnant water that may have absorbed lead from the pipes.

Additionally, MLGW’s proven corrosion control program utilizes sodium hexametaphosphate, an anti-corrosive additive that coats the inside of pipes. This coating prevents lead from leaching into the water, making it a vital part of the utility’s ongoing efforts to protect public health.

Implementation Raises Questions

Despite the benefits of the pilot program, there are several hurdles to overcome.

One of the biggest challenges is dealing with rental properties and multifamily units, where the lines may service multiple tenants. MLGW is working to develop strategies to ensure equitable access to the program for renters, who are often the most affected by lead exposure but have the least control over their living conditions.

The pilot program also raises questions about how the costs of private-side replacements will be managed and whether homeowners will be required to contribute financially. While federal funding can cover some of the costs, MLGW has yet to finalize how expenses will be shared, particularly for properties that don’t meet income qualifications.

Economic Opportunities for MWBE Businesses

McGowan was clear: MLGW won’t be getting into the private pipe replacement business. The pilot is simply for research & development purposes.

But MLGW does want to continue to be in the “giving qualified MWBE contractors some business” business. The utility has emphasized the importance of building a reliable contractor base capable of handling the scale of replacements required across the city.

This initiative opens doors for MWBE-certified contractors, especially in plumbing, excavation, and related services. MLGW aims to ensure that small businesses benefit from the project by creating new jobs and providing pathways for them to contribute to the city’s infrastructure development.

“We want to build local capacity and add more jobs, particularly for minority- and women-owned businesses,” he said. “This is an opportunity for them to get involved and grow their companies as we work to replace thousands of service lines across the city. We’re trying to structure the program in a way that provides consistent, reliable work for contractors over the next several years.”

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