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Kentucky American Water Tackles Lead Pipe Replacement in Lexington

Workers replacing lead water pipes in Lexington

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News Summary

Kentucky American Water is actively addressing lead water line issues in Lexington as part of an EPA mandate. The company is replacing aging water mains and encouraging residents to check their service line materials. Recent legislative proposals have raised health concerns regarding drinking water quality and utility costs. Approximately half of the service lines have been assessed as part of a public health initiative aimed at eliminating lead exposure.

Lexington, Kentucky – Kentucky American Water is actively addressing lead water line issues as part of a nationwide mandate from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The company is notifying residents about the discovery of lead lines underground and is taking significant steps in replacing aging water mains this summer across various locations in Lexington, including Kastle Road, Melrose Avenue, and Arcadia Park. If lead lines are identified during the main replacement, crews will replace those sections as well.

Lead pipes were once a standard material used in plumbing systems, but they pose serious risks as they can corrode and contaminate drinking water. In response to these dangers, Kentucky American Water is also upgrading valves and fire hydrants, initiating a comprehensive renewal effort to enhance the water infrastructure in the region. These extensive projects are complex and demand considerable time and resources.

For several months, Kentucky American Water has been working diligently to locate and remove lead lines. Approximately 1,000 customers have participated in a lead and copper rule initiative aimed at identifying their service line materials. This collaboration with residents is critical to ensure that lead and copper risks are effectively managed.

Amid these water quality efforts, a recent legislative proposal in Kentucky has prompted concern. The amended Senate Bill 89, which seeks to reduce the regulatory power of the Kentucky Division of Water, has passed through the House, eliciting warnings from critics regarding potential contamination threats to drinking water sources. The Secretary of Kentucky Energy and Environment has expressed that this bill could jeopardize drinking water quality throughout the state and could lead to increased utility costs for residents.

Environmental organizations have also voiced concerns, arguing that recent amendments to the bill do not sufficiently safeguard groundwater, thereby leaving private wells vulnerable to contamination. Kentucky American Water acknowledges that lead was commonly used in water service lines until the 1960s, even as the company has undertaken significant replacements since then.

Currently, Kentucky American Water has determined the material of about half of its 137,000 service lines and is continuing its efforts to identify the remaining lines. It is known that lead exposure can lead to serious health issues, including behavioral problems, brain damage, and developmental delays in children. Consequently, the company has a 10-year deadline to eliminate lead service lines across its service area to protect public health.

Homeowners, especially those in properties built before 1988, are encouraged to check the status of their service lines, particularly if their main line is undergoing replacement. This proactive approach is essential to mitigating the risks associated with lead exposure in drinking water.

In a display of commitment to improving infrastructure and public health, Kentucky American Water has reported an investment of over $83 million in 2024 aimed at enhancing water and wastewater systems in its service areas. This initiative reflects the company’s dedication to providing safe and reliable drinking water to the residents of Lexington and surrounding communities.