Topeka looks to replace 1,000 lead pipes with $74 million loan

The Topeka City Council has approved a $74.28 million project to replace lead service lines throughout the city, marking a major step forward in modernizing the capital city’s drinking water infrastructure. The council voted 8-1 to amend its Capital Improvement Plan and apply for funding through the Kansas Public Water Supply Loan Fund.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) loan application is for the entire project budget, and it is expected to include $37.59 million in loan forgiveness, with payments spread over 20 years. The project aligns with recommendations from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to remove hazardous lead pipes from water systems nationwide.

Service lines, which connect water mains to buildings, were commonly built using toxic lead until 1986 when they were banned nationwide. Exposure to lead through drinking water can cause serious health effects, particularly in children, making replacement of these lines a critical public health priority.

Topeka has identified more than 1,000 lead and galvanized service lines that need replacement, with up to 4,000 pipes being considered for complete replacement. The project plan allows for a three-year development period followed by a 10-year compliance window.

Property owners won’t have to pay out of pocket for the repairs, Sylvia Davis, Topeka Utilities Director, told ksnt.com. The city plans to send letters to residents who have lead-containing lines or potential lead-containing lines with information about next steps.

While the council approved the maximum budget of $74.28 million, Davis indicated at the council meeting that the final cost is likely to be significantly less, potentially using half or less of the authorized amount.

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