Hillsdale has replaced 42.5% of all identified lead and galvanized steel water service lines, and remains on track to meet state and federal replacement requirements, according to City Manager David Mackie.
Nearly five hundred water service lines with lead or galvanized steel components were replaced between 2021 and June 30, 2026, as part of the city’s lead service line replacement program.
The number of remaining service lines requiring replacement continues to change as crews verify pipe materials, according to Mackie. Hillsdale currently has 66 confirmed and 265 assumed lead service lines remaining, along with 167 confirmed and 177 assumed galvanized steel service lines.
“The number of service lines that remains to be replaced is a somewhat fluid number based on the records available,” Mackie told The Daily News.
Hillsdale monitors four locations along each of the city’s 2,614 service lines. Officials are able to conduct material verification through potholing, visual inspections and meter replacements. Mackie said service lines listed as assumed lead or galvanized steel are reviewed before replacement work is scheduled.
A proposed contract extension is expected to result in the replacement of approximately 100-115 additional service lines, though specific locations haven’t yet been selected. Priority will be given to areas associated with current and future street projects, capital improvement projects, known lead service lines, and locations that previously received replacement agreements.
Mackie said increased contract costs are primarily the result of inflation, adding the proposed pricing remains favorable compared to current market conditions. Hillsdale has budgeted $300,000 for the program during Fiscal Year 2026-27.
According to Mackie, replacement costs are paid through water system revenues, so residents aren’t billed.
Mackie said one of the biggest challenges remaining is confirming service line materials and coordinating replacement schedules with property owners. Anyone with questions can contact Robert Stiverson at 517-437-6479 or rstiverson@cityofhillsdale.org.
— Contact reporter Corey Murray at cmurray@hillsdale.net or follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @cmurrayhdn.
This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: Hillsdale has replaced 499 water service lines. How many are left?
Reporting by Corey J. Murray, Hillsdale Daily News / Hillsdale Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Corey J. Murray, Hillsdale Daily News | USA TODAY Network
