Lead water pipes, some put in the ground as early as 1910, are being replaced with new PVC piping in older Saskatoon neighbourhoods. (Chris Vandenbreekel/650 CKOM)

Lead pipe replacement on schedule in Saskatoon

Aug 2, 2017 | 6:29 PM

Lead water pipes from as far back as 1910 are being pulled out of the ground as the City of Saskatoon continues with its pipe replacement project.

In a news conference, Wednesday afternoon the city said they were on schedule to complete their goals for the 2017 construction season, which include replacing water service pipes to 1,189 properties.

Celene Anger, director of construction and design for the city, said the warm and dry weather has helped keep the projects on time.

She also noted previously-announced financial commitments, $15.8 million from the federal government and $7.9 million from the province, have assisted the lead pipe replacements.

“The funding dollars allowed us to accelerate our timeline,” she said.

Crews have replaced 464 water main connections to properties so far in 2017, replacing lead pipes with new PVC pipes that are five centimetres bigger in diameter.

The line replacements are being funded through a shared model with property owners, who are on the hook for 40 per cent of the cost at an average cost of $3,000.

Old lead water mains are also being replaced including Holiday Park, Buena Vista and Caswell Hill. As of Wednesday 5,687 metres of water mains had been switched out, with a goal to complete 14.5 kilometres by year-end.

Anger said the water main replacements have improved water quality and pressure for 15,000 homes already.