Lead water pipe replacement could take 15 years, cost $36M: report

Replacing lead connections in water pipes WATCH: A report outlining how much it would cost to replace lead water pipe connections is going to city council. Mackenzie Read has more.

REGINA — A City of Regina report recommending a timeline of 15 years to replace all the lead water pipe connections in Regina – a project expected to cost around $36 million – has passed its first vote.

The operations and services committee unanimously approved the report Wednesday afternoon.

The report said all 3,600 city-owned pipes would be replaced by 2036 if the committee and council approve the timeline. The cost would be covered by the utility fund.

The report also recommend the city mandate residents to replace their private water connections as the city replaces the public ones, making the homeowner responsible for the costs.

“Unless the homeowner decides to change that connection they will still be dealing with potential lead in that water, even if the city side has been done,” Kim Onrait, executive director of citizen services with the City of Regina, said.

The city estimates it will cost homeowners a total of $50 to $70 million.

The city recommends payment plan options for homeowners that give them 10 years to pay off the costs and have costs shifted onto property taxes.

There are about 7,000 to 8,000 private lead water pipe connections in Regina.

The report will be presented at city council’s next meeting on May 26 for a final vote.