In an effort to improve the reliability of its service, Austin Water is now set to replace more than 2,000 polybutylene and polyethylene water service lines in over 60 subdivisions. The pipes, which were popular in the late 1960s through the 1980s, have become brittle and prone to breakage over time. The water utility estimates that Austin saw the installation of 25,000 water service lines, which connect private plumbing to water mains, during that time. So far, the city has replaced about 3,000, prioritizing pipes with higher water pressure.
City Council unanimously approved a $9.5 million contract for service line replacement at its Dec. 9 meeting. In addition, Austin Water will continue to replace pipes themselves. A map of the areas that will receive water service line updates can be found here. Affected customers will be notified before work on their pipes begins.