We recently awarded a project to BandZ Company out of Benton Harbor for replacement of approximately 200 lead service lines. The work is being completed as part of a funding opportunity from the State of Michigan.
BandZ is planning to begin work in October 2025. They hope to continue working through the winter as weather allows, finishing up in 2026.
The preferred method for the work is a “trenchless” installation. This minimizes disturbances to lawns and landscaping. By excavating two or three small areas per home, BandZ can install the new lines below the ground surface. Restoration of disturbed surfaces is included in the project.
Access/Traffic:
This work will require access to the water line where it enters your home, likely in a basement or crawlspace. We require your support and approval to conduct this work and connect the new line to your plumbing system, thereby removing a potential source of lead.
Please sign digitally using the QR Code:
Mail delivery and garbage pickup will not be affected by the project.
Water Service:
Water Service will be temporarily disrupted when the new line is connected to your home. You will receive information regarding flushing your plumbing system after the connection is made.
P&N Engineer
Ernie Sarkipato, Project Manager
616-364-8491 (Office Main)
Matt Hulst, Project Engineer
231-798-0101 (Office Main)
P&N Construction Observer
TBD
Contractor
BandZ Company
Charlie Binger
269-925-6999 (Company Main)
City of Dowagiac
Matt Newton, DPS Director
269-782-2195 (City Hall)
Progress Report:
Water main replacement and lead service line replacement work is now complete. Storm sewer construction has also been completed over the last few weeks. The Contractor has now switched gears to restoration activities which included pouring new concrete improvements this week.
Upcoming Work:
Lawn and driveway restoration work will take place.
Paving is tentatively scheduled for the week of July 20.
B&Z will be taking a break from Lead Service Line Replacement for the rest of May 2026. Activities are expected to resume in June.
B&Z has been consistently working east through the City, focusing this week on Chestnut Street. Below is a summary of week 8. We have had a couple interesting access challenges recently, and continue to coordinate with B&Z and the City on responding.
Coming up next, B&Z plans to continue to move east of S Lowe Street and South of W Division St.
Last, here is a current snip from our tracking system:
B&Z has been consistently working east through the City. Below is a summary of weeks 1 – 7:
Coming up next, B&Z plans to continue to move east of S Lowe Street and South of W Division St.
Last, here is a snip from our tracking system.
Weekly #4 update:
B&Z had a bit of a slower week due to rain days. Below is a summary of weeks 1-4:
Coming up next, B&Z plans to continue to move northward staying west of Lowe Street within the project area.
Last, below is a snip from our tracking system.
B&Z continues to conduct verifications on Monday and Friday, and generally work on replacements on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Below is a summary of weeks 1 – 3:
Coming up next, B&Z plans to continue to move northward staying west of Lowe Street within the project area.
Last, below is a snip from our tracking system.
B&Z is starting to hit their stride. They continue to conduct verifications on Monday and Friday, and generally work on replacements on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Below is a summary of weeks 1 and 2:
Coming up next, B&Z plans to continue to move northward staying west of Lowe Street within the project area.
Last, below is a snip from our tracking system.
B&Z has finished week one of work on the FY25 LSLR project. The below table summarizes the work completed at a high level.
B&Z intends to move north to Grove Street next. We will have some vacant homes to deal with, as well as stubs to vacant properties. We provided B&Z with the owner and tenant contact list so they can reach out directly as needed.
Last, below is a snip from our tracking system. Have a great weekend.
Snow has delayed the start of the project again. In the meantime, we need to get approval from each home that is slated to have their service line replaced. This is required by the State of Michigan.
Find more information here: https://www.cityofdowagiac.com/waterupgrade/index.php
The contractor delayed starting work due to winter conditions, as snow cover makes identifying and replacing lead service lines particularly difficult.