Lead pipe replacement to continue in Duluth

Since Duluth first began it’s lead service pipe replacement program, 900 projects have been completed.

In 2024, nearly 700 replacement jobs were finished. For 2025, the city is ramping up the project up, planning to replace 1,800 lead service lines.

“We’re scaling this program and as long as funding holds out we do want to continue replacing lead water services about $2,000 a year for as long as we can,” said Jon Maruska, an engineering specialist with Duluth, “We have about 10,000 lead water services so it will take a few years to replace them all across the city.”

A handful of replacement projects are scheduled for 2025. The city says residents who are slated to have their pipes replaced this year have been notified by mail.

On April 8, the city invited some Lincoln Park residents who will have their pipes replaced to a meeting to learn more about how they’ll be impacted.

“The actual work involves excavation out in the right-of-way, often directional drilling into the home. Most of the time we can replace the services in one day.” Maruska said. He, as well as others involved in the project, were also on hand to answer specific questions from homeowners.

A few lead pipe replacement projects around the city have already begun this year, for emergency situations such as damaged or leaking pipes.

More information on lead pipes in Duluth can be found on the city’s website.