Community members can learn more about a proposal that would establish a system for replacing broken or leaking water service lines that are made of lead during a community meeting on Saturday, hosted by Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II and Alderman Khalif J. Rainey.

“This is an issue that has received a great deal of attention because of its importance to the community,” Alderwoman Coggs said. “We want to offer community members the opportunity to get the facts before the city considers adopting this policy.”

Many older properties get their drinking water from lead service lines that were installed more than half a century ago. The city uses a special treatment to prevent lead in pipes from dissolving into the water that residents drink. However, research shows that the most effective solution is to replace those lead service lines with copper.

As the city works on a responsible, long-term plan to abate lead service lines, the proposed policy would require property owners to replace them whenever they are worked on due to breaks, leaks or routine work. The proposal also includes financing assistance whereby the city would pay most of the replacement costs.

“For a critical issue like this, it is important that residents hear directly from city department heads who are crafting solutions to these lead service line concerns,” Alderman Rainey said. “This meeting will give residents a one on one opportunity to ask questions and get answers.”

“With this meeting, we are educating residents about this important topic, and I would encourage everyone who’s interested to attend,” Alderman Stamper said.

What: Lead service line proposal community meeting

When: Saturday, December 10 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Where: North Division High School, 1011 W. Center St.