Aqua Pennsylvania is offering free lead-based pipe replacement with proper documentation through the Lead Service Line Replacement Program, Aqua officials announced.
Lead pipes were outlawed in 1986. As part of a federal requirement, Aqua will reimburse customers who have already fixed lead pipes (more details below).
“Aqua Pennsylvania employees continue to aggressively seek out opportunities to serve our customers by investing in infrastructure improvements with funding from PENNVEST,” said Aqua Pennsylvania President Marc Lucca. “We thank PENNVEST for its support as this funding helps improve drinking water quality in our region at no direct cost to the customer, through the replacement of customer-owned service lines. This funding helps us balance the need for extensive infrastructure investment while offering excellent customer service at affordable rates.”
From Aqua’s announcement:
What Aqua Will Do
Aqua will:
*Identify the material type of your service line.
*Provide sampling bottles and instructions and test your water for lead.
*Enter into an agreement to replace your portion of the service line
*Replace your service line and provide pitcher filters to protect against lead for six months after disturbance.
*Restore your property as reasonably as practicable
*Dedicate the new service line back to you, at which time you will reassume responsibility.
*Provide a warranty on the work completed
Reimbursement for Customers that Have Already Replaced a Lead or Galvanized Service Line
As part of Aqua’s Replacement Program, Aqua will provide a reimbursement to those Customers that have replaced their Customer-owned lead or galvanized service line within certain time periods subject to certain requirements. Reimbursement will occur for those Customers that provide documentation sufficient, in Aqua’s sole discretion, to verify that the Customer replaced the Customer- owned lead or galvanized service line within one year before or after the start of a planned lead service line replacement project main replacement and as long as the Customer is within one mile of the main replacement project or focused replacement area. Customers will be eligible for reimbursement up to 125% of the average cost of Aqua’s lead and galvanized replacements. Average cost used to determine reimbursement amounts during a calendar year will be based on Aqua’s prior calendar year average costs for lead and galvanized service line replacements. Examples of documentation required by Aqua for a Customer to be eligible for reimbursement include, but are not limited to, detailed estimates from a licensed plumber and paid invoices or statements. A verified statement may also be submitted from the licensed plumber.
To schedule an appointment or get your water tested for lead, you can call Aqua at 877.987.2782. User Tip: After dialing the number, press “3” for Customer Service. Ask to be transferred to water quality.
For more information about lead and water quality, you can click here.
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Photo: Aqua