City lead pipe replacement program will hit Saskatoon homeowners in the pocket book

Homeowners in Saskatoon neighbourhood’s who still have lead pipes may be digging for their wallets in the not too distant future.  
 
On Thursday, city council approved a plan to replace the rest of the Saskatoon’s lead piping.
 
It’s a plan that will be rolled out over the next decade. And even though it’s mandatory, residents will still have to share the cost.
 
“There’s no safe way for us to cut into and replace only a portion of the lead line because it releases those lead particle into the pipe,” Willems said.

The replacements will cost the average homeowner $3,000. However, the who qualify as low-income earners will have the option of spreading the cost over 10 years.

“Cost from the service line repair replacement is spilt 60 percent paid by the city 40 percent paid by the homeowner,” said Dan Willems, special projects manager.
 
Property owners will also have the option of paying up front, or they can defer it to their next property tax bill.