Utilities are targeting private property owners pipes to:
- repair old and leaky pipes
- to prevent big problems like sinkholes and overflows of sewage into waterways
- which leads to water plants treating more water than necessary, and driving up costs for ratepayers
Why are utilities targeting the pipes that are out of their control?
- water utilities are struggling to reduce costs
- utilities are having a hard time complying with federal clean water mandates
What programs have emerged around the country?
- Cincinnati partially funds repairs for the costs of repairs to pipes under city streets
- the repairs are mandatory when the property sells or is significantly remodeled
- At sale or remodel, mandatory pipe testing is required for lateral pipes
- Pittsburg is pushing PA’s legislature to pass a bill to allow a water utility to fix leaky pipes that the utility doesn’t own & recoup the cost from the property owner