Johnstown is preparing for a decade-long project to replace lead water pipes

Hundreds of miles of water mains need to be replaced in Johnstown, according to officials with the Greater Johnstown Water Authority.

In October, the Environmental Protection Agency issued an 890-page rule requiring the removal of all lead from water systems, including city pipes and pipes owned by residents.

Throughout the month, Greater Johnstown Water Authority officials say they have sent letters to residents informing them of the lead status of their water pipes. They said they estimate 12,000 residential service lines contain lead.

They said that under the way the EPA wrote the lead pipe replacement rule, the water agency would be responsible for all costs of replacing the 100-plus-year-old water pipes. They also said that while the water authority is funded by taxpayer dollars, the first few years of the replacement project will be covered by money the authority has already set aside.

At Tuesday’s meeting, they agreed to a multimillion-dollar contract with internal employees to work to replace the lines over the next decade.

Lawyer Bill Barbin said: “By doing this with in-house staff we avoid a number of rules required by offer contracts. We don’t have to offer the order if it is handled by internal employees.”

“The bottom line is that we are saving money for residents,” added Don Hall, chairman of the water board.

The next meeting of the water board is December 12th.