Marshfield Utilities receives second grant for lead service line replacement
For Hub City Times
MARSHFIELD — Marshfield Utilities recently announced its customers will have an improved opportunity to have lead water service lines replaced.
In June Marshfield Utilities was awarded a $300,000 grant through the Environmental Loans Section of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Since obtaining the initial grant, an opportunity to apply for additional money became available, and Marshfield Utilities was chosen to receive an additional $200,000. This money can be used only for lead service line replacement on private property that will result in full lead service line replacement on both the utility-owned and customer-owned sides of the water service.
The DNR is allowing three years from the date that the Financial Assistance Agreement is executed for the funds to be expended by the municipality. With the Marshfield Utilities plan, customers will apply to participate in the program and then will work directly with a contractor selected from a list of prequalified plumbers for their water service replacement. The DNR will reimburse the customer or the plumber directly following the work completion. These reimbursement dollars will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis.
Customers who have been identified as having lead water service lines have been sent a letter from Marshfield Utilities explaining this opportunity. With the additional grant money available, customers may now have up to $3,000 reimbursed for the replacement.
“With the estimated average cost of replacement being approximately $3,500, our hope is that we eliminate as many lead service lines as possible, if not all of them,” said John Richmond, water manager for Marshfield Utilities. “This is truly a win-win opportunity for customers to be able to take proactive measures and make a healthy choice.”
Customers with questions or concerns regarding the lead service line replacement program should contact John Richmond by email at [email protected] or by phone at 715-898-2170.
Leave a reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.