The Crothersville water utility wants to know if water customers have any lead pipes on their property. Utilities throughout the state are mandated to determine if lead pipes are being used in delivering of water.
Town utility director Mason Boicourt said at the Sept. 2 town council meting, that the state is requiring utilities to survey customers to determine if lead pipes are being used.
Exposure to even low levels of lead can cause damage over time, especially in children, according to the Mayo Clinic. The greatest risk is to brain development where irreversible damage can occur. Higher level can damage kidneys and nervous systems in both children and adults.
According to Boicourt most water lines running from the town meter to residents’ homes are either galvanized steel, plastic or lead.
“If it is unknown or hasn’t been verified, the state assumes it to be lead,” said Boicourt.
Water utility customers should contact town hall at 812-793-2311 to verify the type of water lines they have.
Boicourt said that all utilities are under a deadline in 2027 to submit their findings. “If residents don’t report, we will have to dig in their yard to determine they kind of pipe they have,” said town council president Terry Richey.
Boicourt said that so far, no lead pipes have been located. Some residents have mistaken galvanized steel for lead, he added.
In other water matters, the council tabled any discussion on eliminating fluoride from drinking water to give the community an opportunity to weigh in.
Fluoride is used by dentists to strengthen teeth and has been added to drinking water for several decades to help fight tooth decay. But the additive has come under fire as unnecessary government intervention into public/private health.
The council is to discuss the matter at their October meeting after affording local utility customers an opportunity to comment.
In other town business, Boicourt received council approval to spend up to $5,000 for a brush mowing attachment for the town excavator. He said the equipment will be useful in mowing ditches, especially in the some of he recently annexed areas of the community.
Tax abates were approved for AISIN Drivetrain and AISIN Chemical. The abatements will allow both companies to expand and add jobs.
The council approved getting quotes for street lights for recently annexed portions of the town. It is estimated that up to 50 street lights will be needed to illuminate newly annexed areas of CR 600 S (Moore Street) from the old town limits to Frontage Road, Bethany Road from the old town limits to CR 700 S, and US 31 from the old town limits to Sims Bark. Clerk Treasurer Danieta Foster was given approval to get the quotes from Duke Energy.
In a final matter the council approved an ordinance directing all FIT (Financial Institution Tax) and CVET (Commercial Vehicle Excise Tax) distributions to be placed in the town’s general fund.
The council also approved an ordinance prohibiting the local government from using or permitting public records to be used for commercial purposes.