Previously the city was paying only to replace the lines from the main pipe to the curb of homes, with homeowners having to cover the cost (plus interest) to have the city replace the lines leading into their homes. But the city is now covering the entire of cost of both the public and private portions of lead pipe replacement.
This recent report from MLive suggests the previous practice of leaving a portion of lead pipe while replacing another can actually cause more problems. In the article, Virginia Tech water quality expert Yanna Lambrinidou says “Partial replacement can actually increase lead levels at the tap because the work disturbs built-up lead in the line. Even construction activity in the vicinity of service lines can shake loose lead that persists for months.”
