Troy is a city that refuses to be defined by its past. It has undergone a remarkable transformation, improving its infrastructure, paying off old debts, and building a thriving economy.
An example of this transformation is the recent groundbreaking of a multimillion-dollar project in Troy to replace lead water service lines. This urgent task requires prompt action to protect the health of our families, while also offering an opportunity for a healthier future.
In Troy, we are diligently working to meet the federal government’s October 2024 inventory deadline. We are proud to report that we are leading the region, with over a third of our city’s service lines already inventoried.
Accurate documentation of lead service lines is a crucial step in this project, and our residents are a driving force behind it. By reporting to the city, they provide crucial information about the number of lines that need replacing and their locations. This data will play a pivotal role in securing future funding and enabling us to implement a comprehensive, efficient, and equitable program to solve this problem.
We need help from all residents. We encourage everyone to inventory the water service line in their home’s basement and report their findings at troyny.gov/lead. We also ask residents to spread the word and encourage friends, family, and neighbors to do the same.
We are providing guidance and support to ensure accurate reporting. Homeowners can email a photo of their service line to our Department of Utilities, schedule a representative’s visit, or self-report following the steps on the city’s website.
Our commitment is to replace 100% of the lead service lines in Troy with copper, at no direct cost to property owners. This ensures that all residents, regardless of income or resources, have access to lead-free drinking water.
This approach is costly, and we understand concerns about the financial burden it may place on the city and homeowners. We are actively pursuing state and federal resources to mitigate the financial impact in the future. However, cutting corners now will only result in higher costs down the line.
Vacant buildings and absentee landlords pose challenges in the lead service line replacement process. We urge landlords to get involved and appreciate their cooperation with inventory requests. For unresponsive landlords, we are exploring legal avenues to protect Troy families.
While we have made significant progress in lead inventorying and replacement, other areas in the state are still facing this monumental task. Troy is sharing expertise and collaborating with municipalities to find effective solutions. By sharing knowledge, best practices, and resources, we can expedite the process and ensure no community is left behind.
Together, we can demonstrate the power of collective action in addressing this public health crisis and safeguarding our communities’ well-being.
Patrick Madden is the mayor of Troy.
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