News & Updates

Lead & Galvanized Service Line Replacement Program (2026–2033)

Brainerd Public Utilities continues to move forward with service line replacements required under the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Replacements will occur in a phased approach from 2026 through 2033, to meet the State of MN’s goal, consistent with state and federal requirements.

We are pleased to share that the utility has secured $2,625,000 in funding for the 2026 construction season, allowing replacement work to begin as planned. Additional funding will be pursued in future years to continue progress through the full replacement timeline. For the utility to meet the goal by 2033 we will need $2.6M per year from now until 2033. Staff continue our efforts to meet this need and ensure the utility and customers are receiving this funding, so replacements are at no cost to the customers. A map of the 2026 replacement area is below.

What Properties Are Included

Replacement projects may include properties with:

• Lead service lines
• Galvanized service lines requiring replacement
• Suspected or unknown service line materials

These categories are defined by federal and state regulations and help prioritize replacement efforts across the system. The utility will identify the critical areas that need prioritization for replacement based on the other city construction projects and the requirements outlined by the EPA.

How the Replacement Process Works

1. The utility identifies annual replacement project areas and applies for available state and federal funding.

2. Property owners in planned project areas are typically notified up to a year in advance through mail, email, phone calls, and door-to-door outreach.
3. Property owners will receive an agreement to review and sign, authorizing the utility and its contractor to perform work on private property. The package of materials will also include fact sheets and what to expect.
4. Participating property owners are required to allow a pre-construction site survey to support project planning.
5. Once a construction contractor is selected, property owners and residents will receive detailed project information by mail.
6. Construction generally occurs during the spring and summer, depending on weather and scheduling.

Funding & Customer Costs

All funding for service line replacements is administered by the utility. Customers will not be charged for required service line replacements completed as part of this program. No action is required from customers unless their service line material is currently listed as unknown.

Checking Your Service Line Status

Customers can view the current status of their service line using the University of Minnesota Service Line Inventory Map: https://maps.umn.edu/LSL/

If the utility does not have confirmed information for your service line, staff may contact you to schedule a home visit. Customers may also proactively request an inspection by calling 218-829-2193.

Coordination & Compliance

Utility staff continue to work closely with the Minnesota Department of Health, the Minnesota Rural Water Association, and other City departments to ensure all planning, funding, and construction activities meet regulatory requirements. These coordination and approval processes are required statewide and take time to complete.

Project Support & Community Outreach

To assist with planning, regulatory coordination, public outreach, and implementation of the Lead and Galvanized Service Line Replacement Program, Brainerd Public Utilities has retained Bolton & Menk, Inc.. Bolton & Menk is supporting the utility with project development, funding coordination, and customer communication materials related to service line replacements.

Project updates, background information, and additional resources are available on the Bolton & Menk project webpage:
https://clients.bolton-menk.com/brainerdlslreplacement/

In addition, the Public Utilities Director recently discussed the Lead Service Line Replacement Program, funding, and upcoming construction efforts during an interview on WJJY’s Community Focus. The interview provides additional context and helped define why the project is required.

The full interview is available here:
https://1067wjjy.com/episode/01-12-2026-community-focus-city-of-brainerd/

We appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as this long-term infrastructure program moves forward. Updates will continue to be posted on the utility’s website as additional funding is secured and project schedules are finalized.

For more information, please visit our website, review the University of Minnesota inventory map linked above, follow the Bolton & Menk Inc. project page, or contact the Public Utilities Department at 218-829-8726.

See the below area replacement map for 2026 that is not in conjunction with other City projects.