Replacement Program Details
The Fargo Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) program will occur in phases throughout the areas with lead or Galvanized Requiring Replacement (GRR) service lines. For areas with completed environmental assessment reviews, planned replacement activities will be ready to occur. An open bidding process will be used to select contractors for lead service line replacements. Selection of lead service line replacement phases will be prioritized based on the following criteria until every service line in Fargo is replaced or an opportunity to replace is provided.
Factors for each phase selection will include:
- Percentage of services that are known to be lead or GRR
- Percentage of population under 5 years of age
- Percentage of households qualified as low income
- Childcare and school location
- Other supplemental indexes necessary for neighborhood selection
- Planned utility infrastructure improvement projects
To meet yearly replacement goals and improve efficiency, The City of Fargo will replace lead service lines using a phased block-by-block approach by removing each lead service line on a block and targeting the next block for replacements. Replacements will likely occur using a trenchless replacement method to minimize impacts to each yard.
During the replacement, a property owner or designated representative (18+) is required to be on-site while crews are performing the work.
Anticipated steps to schedule the replacement and property owner involvement will include:
- Notification & Sign-Up: Property owners will receive a letter notifying them that replacements are planned for their neighborhood. Interested owners can then sign up to participate in the program.
- Right of Entry & Inspection: City staff will meet with the property owner to sign a Right of Entry form, granting contractors permission to access the property and perform the necessary work. Contractors may also need to inspect the water meter area to assist with planning before the replacement begins.
- Scheduling & Replacement Work: The replacement will be scheduled and work will begin shortly thereafter. During this stage, occupants will receive educational materials, flushing instructions and a water pitcher with filter certified to remove lead.
A $1,000 invoice will be issued (but not collected) — for program tracking purposes only. - Post-Replacement Tap Water Sampling: Three to six months after the replacement, property owners are required to collect a tap water sample to test for lead concentrations. City staff will reach out with instructions on how to complete this process.
- Test Results & Invoice Waiver: Once the sample is analyzed, the property owner will be informed of the test results. After completing the sample collection requirement, the $1,000 invoice will be waived.
If you have any questions about the Lead Service Line Replacement program, please contact the Water Treatment Plant.