HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-09-2023 Utilities Committeel
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OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
UTILITIES
Committee Members Present:
Presenters:
Agenda:
D AWN M. J ONES, CITY CLERK
OCTOBER 9, 2023, 5:10 P.M.
Henry Davis Jr., Eli Wax, Troy Warner, Lori
Hamann
Eric Horvath
Lead Service Lines Update
Members marked with an asterisk (*) are present digitally
Please note the attached link for the meeting recording:
https://docs.southbendin.gov/WebLink/browse.aspx?dbid O&mediaid 371539
Committee Chair Henry Davis Jr. called to order the Utilities Committee meeting at 5: 1 O p.m.
Lead Service Lines Update
Eric Horv~th, D_ire_ctor, Growth and Opportunity with offices on the fourteenth ( 14th) floor of the
County-City butldmg, noted that in the 80s lead pipes were banned. For anything built after that
date, the materials could not be used. However, prior to that, it was frequently used. In 1991, there
was a lead and copper rule put in place, further decreasing the use of these materials. There was a
revision in 2021 that set a new trigger level that was more stringent. Trigger and action levels
require the community and public water system to do some treatment, modifications, and
education.
The South Bend infrastructure has numerous wells that are 200 feet in the ground. The water is
treated at each well location. All of this occurs without lead. When it gets to private lines, there is
opportunity for exposure. The water is very hard, which decreases the chance of pulling lead from
the pipes. South Bend has been below the trigger point. There is a map which indicates where there
is or could be lead service lines. Pot holing is being done to identify where there is the possibility
oflead pip . A surve ill be issued to home owners in ovember. There are scratch and magnet
tests that can be done. For pipes that are above the trigger level, there is $50,000 in 2024 to provide
filter to homeowner . There is no requirement for the City to replace lead service lines.
Joe Piertrzak, Edgwater Ori ve, South Bend, IN 4660 l , noted that his street was dug up 40 _yea~s
ago and lead lines were exposed. He put new lines in his home. Currently, the l~ad_ testing is
coming back too high. He asked who should be responsible, as he has replaced all his hnes.
Eric Horvath noted that lines should be flushed at the start of the day for 30 seconds. He suggested
that the lines be tested via the City. He also noted that the service lines, which is likely where the
lead is, are the home owner's responsibility. This should be covered by insurance.
EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY INNOVATION INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT
455
County-City Building 227 w. Jefferson Bvld South Bend. Indiana 46601 p 574.235.9221 f 574.235.9173 TTD574.235.5567 www.southbendin.gov
CITY OF SO TH BE D OFFI CE OF THE CLERK
With no further business, Committee Chair Davis adjourned the Utilities Committee meeting at
5:14 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Henry Davis Jr., Committee Chair
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Pte2ise give Reasonable Advance Request when Possible
EXCELLE CE ACCOU TABILITY IN OVATIO 455CO"Ot-,,·C'NB"'"'"' 227W.Jett-B,ld s, lhB d . N INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT u en . Indiana 466012:i 574.235.9221 f574.235 9173 TT05 · 74235.5567 www.southbendin.gov