At the current rate of replacement, it could take over 100 years to replace lead service lines owned by the city of Sarnia.
Consultants say that's unacceptable.
They will be presenting a lead reduction plan to city council Monday, outlining numerous options for replacement and varying time frames.
Mayor Mike Bradley says all of the options have one thing in common -- a big bill.
"It's going to be a very expensive process, but it's necessary," says Bradley. "The fact is, in many cities in Ontario lead is an issue -- particularly in the older parts of the community."
According to the report, it's estimated there could be just over 8,600 properties in Sarnia with lead service lines on the homeowners side and nearly 4,500 homes with lead service lines on the city's side.
When the city is already replacing a watermain the cost to replace each lead service line is estimated at $4,000.
When the job isn't included in a capital replacement project, the cost spikes to $10,000 per replacement.