Logansport Utilities receives $5 million to help fund lead service lines replacement

Hallie Gallinat, Pharos-Tribune, Logansport, Ind.
·3 min read

Logansport Utilities has once again been awarded millions of dollars from the state to help fund the replacement of the city’s lead water service lines, according to a press release.

The State Revolving Fund Loan Program provides grant money and low-interest loans to Indiana communities for projects that improve wastewater and drinking water infrastructure. After applying with the state, the SRF agreed to fund $5 million of Logansport Utilities’ requested $8 million, with $2.5 million in grant money that will not have to be repaid and $2.5 million in loans with zero interest for 20 years.

In September 2022, LU announced its plan to replace the lines, applying for $24 million total over three years ($8 million each year) from the SRF loan program. It was awarded $7.1 million in grant money in 2023, which helped fund the start of the water service line replacement work. The recent funding represents the second year. Although LU is receiving less than requested, it has budgeted future bonds as contingency.

“In Logansport Utilities’ continuous mission to bring safe, clean and reliable drinking water to Logansport residents, the company will continue to apply for SRF funds yearly to help replace 4,500 service lines in the city,” a press release from the organization stated. “The project has been overwhelmingly successful for those impacted by the new water lines with improved quality water and higher water pressure in their homes and businesses.”

Logansport Utilities will accept construction bid submissions for this next round of waterline replacement work later this year.

Customers who have yet to submit a waterline material form are encouraged to fill out a questionnaire found at logansportutilities.com. Service lines that need to be updated will be done at no cost to the homeowner.

Finding a water service line

The water service line entering a building is a pipe coming through the floor or wall, likely located in the basement or lowest floor of a building, or a whole-house water shut-off valve near the water meter. Testing should be done where the service enters the building, before the shut-off valve and the water meter. In some instances, a very short length of lead pipe may enter the house before transitioning to another material.

Perform surface testing

You can use a kitchen magnet and the flat edge of a screwdriver or penny to scratch a pipe. Scratch through any corrosion buildup on the outside of the pipe. Do not use a knife or other sharp instrument to prevent puncturing the pipe. Each service line type will produce a different type of scratch.

• Lead pipe – Scratch the pipe with a penny. If the scraped area is shiny silver and flakes off, the service line is lead. A magnet will not stick to a lead pipe.

• Copper pipe – Scratch the pipe with a penny. If the scraped area is copper in color, like a penny, the line is copper. A magnet will not stick to a copper pipe.

• Galvanized steel pipe – If a magnet sticks to the surface, the line is galvanized steel. A scratch test is not needed. If scratched, it should remain a dull gray.