City of Mount Vernon, NY
10/16/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/16/2024 10:43
City of Mount Vernon Successfully Submits Lead Service Line Inventory
City of Mount Vernon Successfully Submits Lead Service Line Inventory, Continues Efforts for Safe Drinking Water For Immediate Release Mount Vernon, NY - [October 16, 2024] The City of Mount
Vernon is proud to announce the successful submission of its service line inventory for The City of Mount Vernon Board of Water Supply - Lead Services, ahead of the October 16, 2024 deadline
set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This achievement marks a significant milestone in the city's ongoing efforts to comply with Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) improvements,
reaffirming its commitment to providing all residents with access to safe, lead-free drinking water. "The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements uphold the basic principle that everyone deserves
access to safe drinking water," said Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard, U.S. Co-Chair of the Cities Initiative's Mayor's Commission on Water Equity. "With this rule in place, it is incumbent on the
U.S. federal government to match the ambition of the rule with a determined plan to fund its implementation and work with local elected leaders to get the job done." As part of its efforts to meet the
EPA's lead service line requirements, the City of Mount Vernon has taken the following steps: • Inventory Reporting: Submitted a comprehensive report covering 10,474 service lines, demonstrating
the city's transparency and compliance with federal mandates. • Service Line Assessments: Conducted 857 residential service line assessments through both online and in-person methods to
ensure data accuracy. Additionally, over 9,000 municipal-side service lines were identified, improving the understanding of the city's infrastructure. • Public-Facing Map: Collaborated with the city's
GIS Administrator and Lead Service Team to publish a user-friendly map on the city's website, allowing residents to access real-time service line information. • Website Improvements: Launched a
multi-language, user-friendly website that allows residents to easily report their service line materials for the Lead Service Line Replacement Program. The website includes a Select Language
feature (located in the bottom right corner) for multilingual support. • Community Engagement & Marketing: Completed the second phase of the city's marketing campaign, which included door-to-
door outreach, direct mailings, and targeted digital advertisements to raise awareness about the program. Additional notifications will be sent periodically. Although the city has met the inventory
submission deadline, Mayor Patterson-Howard emphasized that work continues to verify the remaining service lines. "We are continuing the verification process for the remaining 9,000 service lines
of property owners. Property owners, we appreciate your cooperation in providing information and scheduling verifications with our team members. Your participation is key to our success," she
stated. Property owners who have not yet completed their verifications are encouraged to visit the CMVNY.com/Lead Service website to schedule an appointment or submit their service line
information. For assistance, residents can contact the city's Lead Service Team at 914-650-4646. Mayor Patterson-Howard also highlighted the importance of federal funding in achieving the
ambitious goals of the Lead and Copper Rule. While the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act allocates $15 billion for lead service line replacement, the American Water Works Association
estimates that more than $90 billion will be required to fully eliminate lead service lines nationwide. This highlights the need for continued federal investment, particularly in cities like Mount Vernon,
where a significant number of lead service lines remain. "We are committed to working with the federal government and our community to get the lead out. Together, we will continue to build a safer
and healthier Mount Vernon," Mayor Patterson-Howard concluded. For more information or to schedule your service line verification, please visit CMVNY.com/Lead Service or call 914-650-4646.