Cornelia plans to continue to conduct a citywide inspection to identify lead pipes in the water system, in accordance with a federal EPA mandate.
The inspection effort stems from a nationwide initiative launched under former President Joe Biden’s administration, requiring municipalities to create a complete inventory of water lines. Cornelia City Manager Dee Anderson said approximately 1,700 pipes still need to be examined.
Once the remaining lines are inspected, the findings will be reported to the federal government. It remains unclear whether the city will be responsible for funding any necessary pipe replacements or what the total cost might be.
In the upcoming phase, crews will excavate around targeted water lines to determine the materials used in their construction.
The federal effort is in response to crises in Flint, Mich. and Jackson, Miss. after widespread lead-poisoning of their water systems elevated the issue to the national stage.
