New Buffalo receives $600,000 grant for lead water pipe program

The city of New Buffalo received a $600,000 grant from the state to help replace lead water pipes.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy announced nearly $12 million in MI Clean Water Plan grants to communities across the state this week, with New Buffalo on the list.

MI Clean Water Plan grants aim to help communities upgrade aging infrastructure, ensure safe drinking water, and protect the environment. Grants are funded by the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and support the federal American Rescue Plan Act.

EGLE says New Buffalo will use its grant to identify or verify lead service lines for replacement. The process includes hydrovacing each side of each curb stop and conducting building surveys to document service pipe materials.

Under updated state rules, Michigan cities, towns and townships are required to get rid of a certain number of lead water pipes each year.