F.A.Q's 

Questions

Answers

When do I get paid?
After the private lead water service has been replaced, with a satisfactory inspection of the replacement by the City, a cheque will be issued for either the approved grant amount or the paid eligible invoice amount, whichever is less, once you provide the City with the following: 1. A paid eligible invoice of work completed by the contractor; and 2. A signed work completion form, indicating that the homeowner is satisfied with the work completed by the contractor.
Why should I take advantage of this program?
The City of Brantford is offering a unique program from other municipalities. The City is giving a one-time lump sum. There is no interest and the grant does not have to be repaid. There are no application fees. The fees are also being waived for the water service inspection and the water meter connection.
Can I use the grant to replace my service line if it is not made of lead?
No. The grant can only be utilized toward the replacement of private water services that are substantially composed of lead. Thus, copper, galvanized, and other services do no apply.
How long will this program continue?
The City Council approved $200,000 for the 2008 program. The program will continue as long as funds are available. The grants will be approved on a first come first serve basis, so it’s recommended that you not wait long before applying. Please also ensure that you submit a complete application form, as any incomplete information will result application rejection.
What expenses can be covered by the grant?
The grant is available to cover costs of private lead service replacement, which may include: excavation, pipe materials, internal plumbing modifications and restoration of property to existing condition. The grant will not be available to cover any other associated costs that are deemed by the General Manager of Engineering and Operational Services to be unnecessary for the replacement of the owner’s private service.
How do I know if I am a successful applicant?
Once the Engineering department reviews the application, successful applicants will receive a Commitment Letter from the General Manager of Engineering and Operational Services, representing the agreement between the homeowner and the City. The Commitment Letter will detail the eligible grant amount (of up to $1,000).
Where can I find a contractor?
It is required that homeowners obtain quotes from at least three contractors. Private contractors can be found in the phone book, and a few contact names are listed below. AB Contracting: 519-770-7078 Morleys Contracting: 519-752-3316 Adlam Contracting: 519-861-0440 MJS Enterprises: 519-449-2008 DISCLAIMER: It is the sole responsibility of the property owner to verify the qualifications of the contractor. Neither the City of Brantford nor any of its agents, officers or employees, make any warranty, express or implied, or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy,completeness, or usefulness of any information provided on the list. Reference herein to anyspecific contractor does not necessarily constitute or imply the City of Brantford’s endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the City of Brantford, its agents, officers or employees.
What is the cost to me?
The replacement of a private service line can vary from $900 to $3,000. It also depends on the length of service line to be replaced, and the restoration required. Follow these tips for getting the best price from contractors: 1. Obtain as many quotes as possible 2. Try negotiating with the contractor for a better price 3. Have the work done during the slow period (ie. late fall or early spring)
Why Replace a Lead Service?
Lead is generally not present in source water, but can enter the tap water through the corrosion of the water service pipe and plumbing materials that are composed of lead. The effect of lead in drinking water is a concern for pregnant women and children under 6 years old, because lead can affect a child’s neurological development. It’s recommended that people with lead water service pipes flush their tap water for at least five minutes twice a day. This water flushing is not only a waste of drinking water (3600 litres per month) but it can also become expensive. The use of filters or buying bottled water for drinking and cooking can also become costly and is not a permanent solution.
Who is Eligible?
Homeowners of residential property within the City can qualify for the program if the following criteria are met: 1. Homeowner must reside in the home; and 2. Must have a confirmed private lead water service; and 3. Must receive municipal City water; and 4. Must not have commenced replacement of private lead water service prior to grant approval by the City; and 5. Have current and paid property taxes at the time of application for the grant.
How do I Apply?
In order to apply for the grant, the homeowner must submit the following: 1. Complete and sign the grant application form and return it to the City’s Environmental Services Department; and 2. Provide detailed quotes from at least three different contractors for the replacement of the private portion of the lead service line; 3. The quote must detail what work is to be done, and separate out costs for each portion of work (i.e. separate line item prices for pipe length and material costs, water service installation, driveway restoration, front yard restoration, internal plumbing modifications details, and other costs); 4. Or, if doing the work on your own, provide cost estimates of materials and equipment required for the service replacement.
Who should I contact in the City if I have any comments or questions regarding the Program?
For questions/comments regarding the lead service replacement grant program, contact: Environmental Services Department City Hall, 100 Wellington Square P.O. Box 818 Brantford, Ontario N3T 5R7 PHONE: 519-759-1350 FAX: 519-752-6775
What is a Private Lead Water Service?
Private Lead Service Diagram It is the portion of the water service running from the property line into the building up to the water meter that is substantially composed of lead.
Do I have a lead water service?
If your home was build before the 1950s the water service line is most likely composed of lead. The attached map shows locations that have lead water services. You can also contact the City’s Engineering department to confirm this information at 519-759-1350.
What is the purpose of the Grant Program?
The Private Lead Water Service Replacement Program was created to encourage City of Brantford homeowners to replace the private lead water service on their property. While private water services are the responsibility of the owner, the City of Brantford has developed this grant program as an incentive to remove the lead water services in homes. Financial assistance in the form of a grant up to $1,000 towards the cost of replacement is available to eligible homeowners.
What else do I need to do?
When ready to replace the lead water service, obtain a Water Service Permit from the City’s Customer Services Department (220 Colborne St., 519-756-1360) to ensure the replacement is coordinated with an inspection by the City. The fee for this inspection is being waived for any lead water service replacements. If any work is done to the internal plumbing past the water meter, then a Plumbing Permit will be required. For more details, contact the Building Department (519-759-4150). The contractor or person responsible for doing the work is also responsible for obtaining any necessary utility locates.