The Tuckaseigee Water and Sewer Authority is embarking on a proactive survey initiative to assess its water lines for potential replacements, aligning seamlessly with the ongoing efforts of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other stakeholders to ensure the health and safety of users. The primary focus of this survey is the identification of lead, galvanized, or copper pipes and connections within the Tuckaseigee Water and Sewer Authority’s system or extending from the TWSA service connection to the areas beneath customers’ homes.
Under the leadership of Daniel Manring, the Director of Tuckaseigee Water and Sewer Authority, the survey takes a comprehensive approach, emphasizing the importance of reaching out to customers and physically inspecting pipes. This initial step is crucial in establishing a clear understanding of the current state of the water infrastructure.
To facilitate this undertaking, the Authority is meticulously examining its records, drawing on valuable insights from an asset inventory survey conducted in 2020. This earlier survey comprehensively documented all aspects of the water mains, links, and various pipe types, providing a solid foundation for the current project.
Beyond the immediate goal of identifying pipes in need of replacement, the survey seeks to achieve a secondary objective. It aims to discern the components constituting the service from the water main to the lines within customers’ homes. Here, the EPA is actively encouraging water authorities, including TWSA, to take on the responsibility of identifying components on the customer’s end.
This is where Tuckaseigee Water and Sewer Authority is seeking collaborative efforts from its customers. Acknowledging that their responsibility typically concludes at the meter, TWSA is reaching out to clients for assistance. A survey, thoughtfully included in upcoming bills, contains images and definitions to help customers identify the components of their water systems. Additionally, instructions are provided on how to submit this crucial information to TWSA.
Customers are assured that if they encounter challenges or uncertainties during this process, TWSA is readily available to provide assistance. The collective participation of customers in this survey is deemed crucial, as it significantly contributes to the task of determining what exists on the customer’s side of the meter.
The survey outcomes hold significance beyond the immediate project goals. They will serve as essential data for the EPA to assess the costs associated with addressing identified issues. Notably, funding may be available to support both users and water providers, subject to certain conditions and the customer’s agreement to have their portion replaced.
While expressing confidence that the TWSA system is modern and likely devoid of lead pipes, Director Manring acknowledges the possibility of lead or galvanized components that may qualify for replacement. Homes built after the late 1980s are expected to be in good condition, but older residences, especially those constructed before 1987 without updates, may still have lead or copper lines.
In emphasizing the importance of customer participation, Director Manring emphasizes that the more engagement received, the better the chances of a comprehensive understanding of potential issues. The results of this survey are slated to be submitted to the Department of Environmental Quality in October, marking a critical milestone in the ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and integrity of the water infrastructure within the Tuckaseigee Water and Sewer Authority’s jurisdiction.
