Citizens begin lead replacement in Martindale Brightwood  – Indianapolis Recorder

Citizens Energy Group recently began construction to replace customer-owned lead service lines in Martindale Brightwood. 

“Martindale Brightwood is one of many neighborhoods that will soon see construction crews proactively replacing lead service lines block by block,” said Mark Jacob, vice president of capital programs and engineering at Citizens. “It goes without saying that full replacement of our customers’ lead service lines at no additional cost to them is the surest way to help our neighbors reduce their exposure to lead.” 

While the water in distribution does not contain lead, the 2022 program approved by Citizens will replace all customer-owned water service lines made of lead that connect to homes and buildings. Martindale Brightwood is the primary focus area for these efforts. 

Many of the homes in Martindale Brightwood were built before 1950, making the likelihood of lead service lines significant.  

“Martindale Brightwood is a neighborhood with a long history, and the age of many of our homes means that neighbors are likely to own a lead service line,” said Elizabeth Gore, chair of the Martindale Brightwood Environmental Justice Collaborative. “But we have deep roots here, and our neighborhood will continue to organize ourselves in support of programs like this one that are critical for the community’s health.” 

Citizens estimates that more than 75,000 customers may own or live in a home with a service line made of lead or metal requiring replacement. The program is expected to cost more than $500 million.  

For more information, visit citizensenergygroup.com. 

Lead Summit sparks action to protect Indianapolis families from toxic exposure  – Indianapolis Recorder

Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.