Grand Forks to Offer Lead Water Line Replacement

Replacement option part of upcoming watermain project on Cottonwood Street and Seventh Avenue North.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The city of Grand Forks, North Dakota will be offering property owners the option to have their lead water service lines replaced as part of an upcoming watermain replacement project on Cottonwood Street and Seventh Avenue North. Contracts for the $1.4 million watermain project are expected to be awarded in mid-April, with replacement work starting during the upcoming construction season.

Why it matters

Lead in drinking water can pose serious health risks, especially for young children. By offering lead line replacement as part of the watermain project, Grand Forks is taking proactive steps to address this issue and improve water quality for residents in the affected neighborhoods.

The details

The lead line replacement option will be available to property owners along the sections of Cottonwood Street and Seventh Avenue North where the watermain is being replaced. Homeowners interested in the replacement will need to fill out a form provided by the city's Public Works Department before crews shut off the water to begin the project. The city will replace the portion of the water service line it typically would, and then extend the replacement all the way to the building if the property owner wants.

  • Contracts for the $1.4 million watermain project are expected to be awarded around mid-April 2026.
  • Replacement work on the watermain and lead service lines is scheduled to begin during the 2026 construction season.

The players

Christian Danielson

Assistant civil engineer for the city of Grand Forks.

Grand Forks Public Works Department

The city department overseeing the watermain replacement project and lead line replacement program.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's a program that the Public Works Department has been working on for the past couple years, so we're going to incorporate it here for those that want it.”

— Christian Danielson, Assistant civil engineer (grandforksherald.com)

What’s next

The Grand Forks City Council will need to give final approval for the watermain replacement project, including the lead line replacement option, at an upcoming meeting.

The takeaway

By proactively addressing lead in water service lines, Grand Forks is taking an important step to protect public health and improve water quality for residents in the affected neighborhoods.