Sen. Heintzeman highlights funding to replace lead service lines in Brainerd water system

Minnesota State Senator Keri Heintzeman today applauded nearly $2.7 million in funding awarded to the city of Brainerd to replace 130 lead service lines in the city’s public drinking water system.

Brainerd received the funding through three separate Minnesota Public Facilities Authority awards totaling $2,674,999: $1.62 million, $847,510, and $205,324. The funding will support the replacement of 130 lead service lines through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund’s Lead Service Line Replacement Program.

“Replacing these lead service lines is an important and worthwhile investment in our infrastructure and the health of our community,” Senator Keri Heintzeman (Nisswa) said. “Families should be able to trust the water coming into their homes. This funding allows Brainerd to address aging infrastructure now and make an important investment in safe, reliable drinking water for years to come.” 

Service lines are the pipes that carry drinking water from the water main into homes and buildings. Communities across Minnesota are working to identify and replace older lead service lines and lines containing lead components because lead can enter drinking water as those materials corrode.

Minnesota has set a goal of replacing all lead service lines by 2033. The Minnesota Department of Health estimates that approximately 90,000 lead service lines remain in the state.