Latest news with #LeadServiceLineReplacementProgram
Axios
5 days ago
- Health
- Axios
What it'll cost to replace Columbus' lead pipes
The city of Columbus is working to replace thousands of lead water lines ahead of a federal deadline, though the full scope of the project isn't yet known. Why it matters: Ingesting lead causes health problems and no amount is safe, per the CDC and EPA. Officials estimate the Lead Service Line Replacement Program will cost the city about $1 billion. How it works: Service lines connect homes to city water mains, usually under a street. Part is under public property and part is under private property, and some or all of it may need replacing. Columbus prohibited lead lines in 1963, so they're mostly concentrated in older areas like the Hilltop, Westgate, German Village, Linden and Olde Towne East, Division of Water regulatory compliance adviser Emilie Eskridge tells Axios. The city is still collecting data to verify where lead is located. How to help: Find your address on this map to see if replacement is necessary at your property. Each dot symbolizes a home's service line, split in two, representing the public and the private sides. If your private pipe material is "unknown," you need to prove it isn't lead. City Council recently made the process easier. Instead of hiring a contractor to verify, which could cost $100 or more, residents can now do it themselves and submit a photo. By the numbers: Almost 25,000 lead service lines are verified, per the city's latest figures. Another 14,000 are galvanized steel and will need to be replaced because they're downstream from lead and may have particles stuck to them, says Public Utilities department spokesperson George Zonders. Over 58,000 are still listed as "unknown material." Threat level: Columbus has " extremely effective corrosion control, which means that we very rarely see detectable levels of lead in our distribution system," Eskridge says. Follow the money: The city will cover all costs for replacements that follow its schedule.
Business Wire
23-04-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
New Jersey American Water Announces New Vice President of Business Development, Government Affairs and External Affairs
BUSINESS WIRE)--New Jersey American Water is pleased to announce that Kimberly Schalek Downes has joined the company this month as Vice President of Business Development, Government Affairs and External Affairs. In this role, Schalek Downes will lead the company's strategic outreach, legislative engagement, and growth efforts across the state. She will oversee the Business Development, Government Affairs, and External Affairs teams, reporting directly to the company president. Schalek Downes brings more than 35 years of experience in government relations, strategic consulting, and public policy. Most recently, she served as President and CEO of Salmon Ventures Limited (SVL), a consulting firm she founded in 2003. At SVL, she managed a wide range of client relationships spanning utility companies, government bodies, and public institutions, and led the creation of the New Jersey Energy Coalition. Her extensive experience in public affairs, combined with her strategic vision, will help New Jersey American Water continue to grow and strengthen relationships with stakeholders across the state. 'I'm thrilled to welcome Kim to the leadership team,' said Mark McDonough, President of New Jersey American Water. 'Her deep roots in policy and government, along with her commitment to community engagement and infrastructure advancement, make her the ideal person to lead this integrated team at such a critical time for the company.' In addition to Schalek Downes' appointment, the company is pleased to announce the following recent promotions within the department: Chelsea Kulp has been promoted to Director of Communications and External Affairs, where she will lead strategic communications, digital engagement and community outreach across the state. Since joining the company in 2015, Kulp has advanced through multiple roles, most recently serving as Senior Manager. She has been instrumental in initiatives like the Lead Service Line Replacement Program and has helped the company earn top rankings in customer satisfaction. Chelsea is an active leader in the water industry, serving as a Trustee for the American Water Works Association New Jersey Section and contributing nationally through her appointment to the AWWA Public Affairs Council, where she helps shape water policy and communication strategies. Lee Mueller has been promoted to Director of Business Development. Since joining the company in 2019, Mueller has led communications and stakeholder engagement in both New York and New Jersey. Her background includes more than a decade of public affairs work with federal agencies, and she is a certified Project Management Professional. David Mayer continues to serve as Director of Government Affairs, a position he has held since June 2019. In this role, Mayer leads legislative strategy and municipal engagement throughout the company's service areas. He brings decades of experience in state and local government, including previous roles as a New Jersey Assemblyman, Camden County Clerk, and Senior Director of Government Affairs for Comcast. Mayer is also the current mayor of Gloucester Township and an adjunct professor. These strategic appointments reflect New Jersey American Water's ongoing commitment to leadership development, community partnership, and providing solutions to water and wastewater challenges. Together, Kim, Lee, Chelsea, and David will guide the company's efforts to invest in infrastructure, support affordability and conservation initiatives, and enhance stakeholder trust across New Jersey. About New Jersey American Water New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 2.9 million people. For more information, visit and follow New Jersey American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.
Chicago Tribune
28-03-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Niles starts, pays for pilot program to change lead pipes at 300 homes in the village
To comply with a federal government mandate, Niles village officials said the north suburb will be doing a pilot program to replace lead service lines. It is expected that about 300 homes will be part of the program – at no cost to the owners. The mandate, which has broad impact nationwide, calls for the replacement by 2037 'but has not received any funding from the federal government,' Niles officials stated in a release announcing the pilot program. Officials state that Niles is leveraging a no-interest loan of about $4-million to do the pilot program. It gives the village and residents a 'head start' on meeting the federal requirements. 'This pilot project is a proactive step to help our community address the federal mandate by taking advantage of strategic funding. We encourage eligible homeowners to participate and take advantage of this no-cost opportunity,' mayor George Alpogianis stated in the release. He said his hope is for 'families here in Niles to know that we are fully committed to securing state and federal funds to ease the burden on our residents and businesses. Alpogianis said he has been working with the village's federal lobbyists, along with federal and state leaders, to push for more funding for the lead pipe replacement program. The village started notifying some homeowners weeks ago if they lived in the area designated for the pilot program. To participate, the selected homeowners had to submit a form earlier this month. Officials stated in the release that the 315 homes selected for the pilot program were chosen using Illinois Environmental Protection Agency criteria. Replacing each service line is estimated to take about eight hours. 'According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, lead can get into the drinking water when the service line – the pipe that carries water from the water main into the home – is made of lead. The pilot program sets the groundwork for a larger long-term effort to meet federal requirements and protect public health. The village is committed to securing any additional state or federal funds for the ongoing, long-term Lead Service Line Replacement Program once they become available,' Niles officials stated in the release.
