KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Even though more than two-thirds of the city’s lead service lines have been replaced already, Kalamazoo officials say work continues on their years-long initiative to replace the city’s lead service lines.
Earlier this month city commissioners approved a $4.1 million contract with SWT Excavating, Inc. of Galesburg for the next step in the process of replacing all existing lead service lines, which is a state mandate.
As of June, the city has surpassed more than 6,700 lead service line replacements with an estimated 10,000 total lead service lines in the city. Last year, the city replaced more than 1,000 non-copper lines, with the initiative funded by the Kalamazoo Foundation for Excellence, State of Michigan Drinking Water Revolving Fund Program, and the City of Kalamazoo’s Capital Improvements Project Program.
The city says they are prioritizing lead service line replacements in neighborhoods most affected by aging infrastructure, including areas that have historically been underserved, which they say will help ensure that all residents benefit from safer drinking water and improved public health protections, with a goal of replacing the remaining lead service lines by 2037.
“The City of Kalamazoo is committed to becoming a lead safe community,” said James J. Baker, Public Services Director and City Engineer for the City of Kalamazoo. “Kalamazoo is ahead of most cities in the state in replacing all lead service lines. We are making excellent progress toward eliminating the danger of lead in the water supply to customers in the City of Kalamazoo as well as in the surrounding jurisdictions that our water system serves. For this year and 2027, we’re moving through the neighborhoods on the City’s north and east sides, including the Stuart and Edison neighborhoods, as well as the Vine neighborhood.”
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