KINGSFORD — Water and sewer bills are likely to rise in Kingsford to cover future costs to replace pipes that are almost a century old.

John Holland of Michigan Rural Water Association was the bearer of the grim news during a presentation on a rate survey he conducted for the city.

Holland said the city has about 115,000 feet of water pipes that are almost 100 years old and another 15,000 feet installed in the 1930s. Life expectancy is about 90 to 100 years.

He estimated the cost to replace all the aging water pipes would be $15.6 million to $19.5 million.

In his rate analysis, he examined labor and benefits, operation and maintenance costs, capital improvement plans, and loans.

Also, under new state guidelines, lead lines and galvanized lines must be replaced from the main to inside the house at the city’s expense.

The average bill for 4,000 gallons of use in the Upper Peninsula in 2017 was $45 for water and $44 for sewer per month, Holland said.

In Kingsford, the current rates amount to less than half of that total.

Holland’s recommendations for significant increases to bring the city closer to the U.P. average will be considered as the city moves forward on its budget planning.

The council, in recent action:

— Agreed to swap land with Breitung Township Schools. The city- owned property is adjacent to the BTS office on Pyle Drive near the high school and high school practice field. The school-owned property is on Pyle Drive just west of North Pyle Drive, adjacent Woodland Elementary School. Both properties are of similar value, Stelmaszek said.

— Approved requests for hearings during the April 4 meeting. The hearing on a blight ordinance will be at 6:45 p.m. and the noise ordinance at 7 p.m. Stelmaszek said he has been working with the planning commission and various other city employees on the ordinances.

— Learned city assessor Kyle Mulka has passed his level 3 certification.

Marguerite Lanthier can be reached at 906-774-3500, ext. 242, or mlanthier@ironmountaindailynews.com.