By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough-A $5 million bond order to borrow funds from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) to replace all remaining water service lines that contain lead in Marlborough was referred to the Finance Committee at the City Council June 19 meeting.
In making his request to the Council, Mayor Arthur Vigeant stated that water service lines connect water pipes inside a resident’s home with the city’s water mains in the street. The service lines are owned by and the responsibility of property owners. The source water is safe and arrives in Marlborough lead free and the water mains owned by the city are also lead free.
“The lead that exists in the water network is in water service lines, owned by the property owners and/or the pipes, fixtures and solder inside homes,” said the mayor.
“Testing conducted in November and December 2016 and again this past January indicated that lead levels are in compliance with Department of Environmental rules and regulations,” he emphasized.
Anticipating the 1,200 lead service lines remaining in the city “will likely not be replaced by property owners,” VIgeant said the bond order is needed to replace them. The MWRA’s Lead Loan Program offers 10 year, interest free loans to eligible communities.
The local Department of Public Works, headed by Commissioner John Ghiloni, is working with outside consultants to develop the replacement program and submit it to the MWRA. Payment of the $5 million bond is expected to be spread over the next five years. The Finance Committee, chaired by Councilor Michael Ossing, will review the proposal and make a recommendation to the full council at the next meeting. Councilors will also vote to advertise the bond.