WATER SERVICE REPLACEMENT PROJECT

WORK BEGINS

Michigan's 2017 Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) declares that a galvanized water service is a lead service line if it "is or ever was" connected to a lead gooseneck, and requires the water utility to pay for replacing private water services from the curb stop near the right of way into the building or home.  A lead gooseneck is a 3-foot-long piece of lead pipe used as a transition between the brass connection to the water main and a threaded galvanized pipe. These were installed prior to the mid-1940's. Since then, the City has been installing copper services for the City-owned portion between the water main and the curb stop. The City has no known fully lead services (lead pipes).  Not all private galvanized water service lines need to be replaced. For example, if a private galvanized service line was originally connected to a City-owned copper service from the water main, it was never connected to a lead gooseneck, so it doesn't need to be replaced.  

The City received a DWSRF loan for $3,510,500 and DWI grant for $1,504,500 in 2022 (total $5,015,000) for a 3-year project that included replacement of an estimated 300 private galvanized water services that were previously connected to a lead gooseneck. In 2023 (year one), 118 replacements were completed. It is estimated that approximately 700 more service lines will need replacement outside of this project. Last fall, the City was awarded an additional $2 million grant from the Michigan Department of Great Lakes and Energy to replace private galvanized water services under the LCR criteria. This grant will help to replace a portion of the remaining private service lines.

The 2024 project kicked off on April 1, 2024 on the east side of town along Boyd, Lincoln, and Rose Street. Additional locations will include parcels in the northern Traverse Heights Neighborhood and Central Neighborhood, south of Seventh Street. This year's work is anticipated to be completed in all identified locations in October 2024. Letters to residents impacted have been distributed. Work will result in sidewalk closures and intermittent street closures.

BEACH CLEAN UP

APRIL 27TH

In honor of Earth Day on April 22nd, the Watershed Center will host a beach clean up day on Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 1-3 pm at the beach near the volleyball courts. Join the fun and volunteer, and see their autonomous beach cleaning robot in action!

PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK DAY

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Bring unused/expired prescription drugs to the Traverse City Police Department, 851 Woodmere Avenue, from 10 am to 2 pm.

SCRAP TIRE

EVENT

Grand Traverse County will host a scrap tire event on May 16, 2024 for residents with automotive tires that are in need of proper disposal. The event is free of charge. Call the RecycleSmart Hotline at 231-941-5555 to schedule your appointment.

MDOT PROJECT UPDATES

PRACTICE PATIENCE

Temporary traffic control measures during the MDOT Project deviate from the usual traffic controls. Your cooperation and diligence are essential for ensuring the safety of yourself, pedestrians, bicyclists, and fellow motorists during this period of construction. We urge all drivers to exercise caution, yield to pedestrians, and remain vigilant while navigating the MDOT Project detours.

This Week's Progress Report

In the past week crews completed sidewalks and placed topsoil between Front Street and Rose Street, wrapped up curb installation for Segment 1, Stage 1, began sidewalk installation from Rose Street to Garfield Avenue, and began fine grading.

Upcoming Work

In the coming week, crews will be wrapping up concrete installation (weather permitting), fine grading, topsoil placement, adjusting castings and hopefully commencing asphalt paving. Work will begin Monday, April 29th on stormwater treatment unit at Barlow Street.

Barlow Street north of US-31 will be closed for several weeks beginning Monday, April 29. Otherwise, traffic will remain as is.

Businesses Open

Anticipate that the construction will affect businesses, particularly those situated along the construction zone. However, it's important to note that our local businesses will continue to operate, and by demonstrating patience, you can actively support them throughout this period of disruption.

IN THE COMMUNITY

CITY ACADEMY 2024 KICKS OFF

The City launched the 2024 City Academy program this past week and welcomed 12 energetic and eager to learn residents of the City! In exchange, we are equally excited to learn from all of them!