Superior Strikes Deal With Water Utility Over Pipes

The City of Superior has been stuck in an awkward situation for years when it comes to replacing old, toxic lead pipes, and it all comes down to ownership of the water utility.

Superior’s water system isn’t city-owned. Instead, it’s operated by a private company—Superior Water, Light, and Power. Because of that, the city was unable to access federal funds designated to help replace lead pipes across the country.

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$44 Million Project Avoids Costly Burden on Homeowners

The cost to remove and replace the city’s lead service lines is expected to reach $44 million. Without a deal, the financial burden would have fallen on homeowners, with individual replacement costs ranging from $3,000 to $10,000. That makes this newly announced agreement welcome news.

Superior Mayor Jim Paine shared the good news: "Last night, we closed a deal with Superior Water, Light, and Power to use federal funds to replace every lead pipe in the city. This contract ensures the City will now oversee the customer side program. If you have a lead line, we’ll replace it at no cost to you."

Hundreds of Residents Could Save Thousands

Representative Angela Stroud said the deal could immediately benefit hundreds of people: "By striking a deal between the company and the city, we're saving 700 people $2,500 each. And thanks to cost controls, all rate payers will benefit by keeping water rates lower than they otherwise would have been."

Once Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers signs the bill approving the deal, many Superior residents could get up to 75% of their replacement costs covered by federal grants. In many cases, that means no out-of-pocket expenses.

Some Concerns Remain

While the news has been mostly celebrated, some critics argue that the agreement may strengthen the position of the private utility and make it harder, and more expensive, for the city to buy back the water system in the future.