How Citizens is finding and replacing lead service lines

​Jayden Kennett
Indianapolis Recorder
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​Read the full article.

Citizens Energy Group has received approval from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to implement a multiyear program to replace lead service lines throughout Indianapolis. Now that it has approval, the process to find and replace lead service lines begins.

Citizens has no active lead water mains; however, homes and businesses connected to the water system before the 1950s may have lead pipes that connect the water mains, called lead service lines. The Lead Service Line Replacement Program is designed to replace those pipes for approximately 55,000 to 75,000 homes and businesses. It’s good to be cautious, but there is no need to resort to extreme measures, said Indra Frank, environmental health director for the Hoosier Environmental Council. Drinking water can often pass through pipes without picking up lead, and coupled with regular testing and treatment by Citizens, there’s not a huge need to worry.