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WARREN -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has initiated the next phase of its "Get the Lead Out Warren" program, with exploratory digging scheduled to begin in the coming weeks to verify water service line materials, according to the city of Warren's social media page.
The effort, part of a federally mandated water service line inventory, will include street and yard service line location flagging, followed by small-scale digging or potholing near shut-off valves on city-owned properties.
Residents with inquiries can reach the Warren Water Department at 330-841-2531.
The program builds on earlier efforts under the EPA's "Get the Lead Out" initiative, which partners with Warren to identify and replace lead service lines.
The initiative gained momentum with the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which allocated more than $15 billion of its $50 billion water infrastructure investment to remove and replace lead lines nationwide.
While exact figures remain unclear, last year Water Department Director Franco Lucarelli estimated that 1,000 to 2,000 service lines in Warren's 19,500 accounts may need replacement. The EPA will continue supporting the city with inventories, replacement plans and funding applications.