Potential new program would help Grand Forks homeowners save on the cost of replacing lead service lines

Grand Forks Herald
​Meghan Arbegast

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GRAND FORKS — A program to cover the majority of replacement costs for lead service lines could save homeowners in Grand Forks up to $2,200.

The lead service line replacement program would cover 90% of replacement costs, meaning homeowners will only be responsible for the remaining 10%. The city of Grand Forks is working with the city of Bismarck, which also offers a rebate to residents for replacing lead service lines.

Melanie Parvey, the water works director, said the program in Grand Forks would be set up similarly to Bismarck so that residents would work with a local, pre-approved contractor to get those lead service lines replaced. While the city has a list of pre-approved contractors who are licensed in the state, Parvey said homeowners can have a different contractor, but the city would still need to ensure the work would be done to the city’s standards.