County authorizes application for DEQ grant to inventory and replace lead service lines

County Manager Frankie asked the board to authorize applying for a Department of Environmental Quality grant to fund a lead service line inventory and replacement program. He said federal rules now require water systems to investigate service lines from the meter into houses and that, where records or data cannot rule out lead, excavation or other testing may be necessary.

Frankie told commissioners the county could be eligible for up to 100% grant funding and as much as $1,000,000 to support the work. A motion to authorize application passed. Staff noted the next steps are to complete the application and, if awarded, to begin targeted investigation and replacement where data indicate unknown or likely lead service lines.

Mr. Tetter (water staff) was referenced as a local technical contact for details about where lead lines might be present; commissioners asked staff to document known line conditions and resident-level impacts as the program moves forward.