Troy’s problem with the lead pipe removal process

Troy’s problem with the lead pipe removal process

TROY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — With the EPA wanting 100 percent of the lead out of American pipes by 2034, one Capital Region municipality is nearly halfway to getting the funding it needs. But first, they need to find out who has lead and who does not.

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“We still have 6,000 services to inspect or get information on,” said Joe Giroux of the Troy Public Utilities Distribution and Sewer Department.

City leaders say homeowners can play a role in finding out if their property has lead pipes. Officials from the water department showed News10 what to look out for.

The process is rather simple and can be easily done in a matter of minutes. “We are going to take a look and scratch the pipe. You are going to see that it is a very soft metal. The scratch test is going to reveal the color of the metal. Copper will be orange in color, and lead will be silver in color,” explained Giroux.

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He says there are several telltale ways to know if you have tainted pipes. “If you look at this section of pipe, you will see a bulb on it. It is called a solder bulb and is very common. If you see this on a pipe, you can guarantee it is lead,” said Giroux.

“The other telltale sign is the adapter that connects the copper to lead,” said Giroux.

Troy Mayor Carmella Mantello promises to have the lead out much sooner than the EPA’s required 10-year plan. “We are going to be very aggressive and very ambitious within my four-year term. We hope to have all lead pipes replaced throughout the city,” said Mantello.

She says her team will take on a new approach to get the numbers they need for the funding. “If I have to knock on doors, I am out there. Our administration will be out there in full force just knocking on doors and educating folks.”

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Projects are already planned throughout the city to remove the pipes. Mayor Mantello says she is anxious to get back to lead pipe removal this spring, if not sooner.

Lead is a dangerous metal found in the pipes of most homes built before 1985. To receive government funding to help remove the poisonous pipes, Troy needs to have a number of how many lines have lead.

Removal projects were completed at about 150 properties last year. About 200 more are scheduled for this year.

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