Work with Your Existing City Engineer Using MDH Program
Widseth has been selected by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to enter into a Master Contract with MDH allowing us to help Public Water Systems (PWS) inventory all drinking water service lines connected to their water distribution system. To meet the latest Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) requirements, all initial inventories must be submitted to the MDH by October 16, 2024.
The intent of the program is to streamline the process while also allowing you to work with your current city engineer if they are a Master Contract holder. For communities that do not have an existing engineering relationship, MDH will assign a firm. This means you can continue to work with the same engineer and team you are familiar with to guide you through the entire process.
What preparations can you make while MDH finalizes the program? Start to gather historical records that can be used to identify lead service lines:
- Construction plans and maps
- Tap and tie records
- Plumbing codes
- Permits
- Meter installation records
When MDH is ready to move to the next stage, PWSs will be able to apply for grants of up to $75,000 for each of these categories:
- Records review for inventory development
- Visual inspection for inventory development
- Lead Service Line Replacement Plan
Widseth is working closely with MDH and will let you know when the funding is available. For help with your materials inventory, or to have a conversation about the program, reach out to your Widseth city engineer or contact either of our infrastructure specialists listed below. For questions about securing funds for this program or projects that may result, contact me, Gail Leverson, at Gail.Leverson@widseth.com or 218-308-2604.
Steve Emery PE, VP
Civil Engineer
Steve.Emery@Widseth.com
218-773-5626
Bryan Bye, PE, VP
Civil Engineer
Bryan.Bye@Widseth.com
320-335-5051
