Lead Service Line Verification and Replacement Program

If you own a home, you’ve probably replaced appliances, furniture, and maybe a faucet or two. But most people have likely never replaced their water service line – the pipe that brings water into your home. That’s what the City of Ferndale is in the process of doing for the estimated 30% of homes and properties that contain full or partial lead service lines.

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Why is the City of Ferndale replacing service lines?

The water Ferndale delivers to customers is lead-free, but lead can get into the water if it passes through a lead service line. Lead in drinking water can cause health problems for people of all ages, particularly pregnant women, infants, and young children. The surest way to protect against lead in water is to get the lead out altogether – that’s where the replacement of service lines comes in.

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How is the City deciding on a replacement schedule?

For the best use of resources—environmental, fiscal, and beyond—the City will verify and replace lead service lines based on existing scheduled construction work:

• Road improvement plan
• Water main improvement plan
• Capital improvement plan

This way, lead service line replacements can be done along with the work already happening on your streets or water mains, allowing for fewer periods of construction noise, service interruptions, etc.

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When will I be notified?

If your service line is scheduled for replacement in 2021, the City will mail you a letter in later winter letting you know. You'll then receive a follow-up letter and subsequent door-hanger as your construction time approaches.

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What does the replacement work entail?

• The contractor will need access to your home and the location of your water meter.
• Your property’s lead service line will be replaced with a copper water service line.
• The replacement should take about three hours to complete.
• While work is being performed, your property will not have access to water.
• A portion of your lawn/front yard will be disturbed during the process—restoration will be provided at no cost to you.
• COVID-19 safety precautions will be strictly adhered to, including masks/PPE and social distancing.

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WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?

1. See the Lead Service Line Replacement book.
2. View the February 8, 2021, DPW presentation to City Council.
3. Visit the City's Lead and Your Drinking Water information page.