DNR Program Replaces Lead Laterals

Lead from corroded pipes in Flint, Michigan, is partially to blame for a public health crisis in the impoverished community. After the city switched its drinking water source in 2014 to the highly corrosive Flint River, there was a spike in lead poisoning among Flint’s children. Studies show 4.9 percent of Flint children tested have lead poisoning compared to 8.6 percent of Milwaukee children tested. Photo by Siddhartha Roy of FlintWaterStudy.org.

Earlier this year, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources launched a $14.5 million program to help “disadvantaged municipalities” replace lead service lines. Of the 38 recipients, 18 communities, including Milwaukee, planned to use at least some of the money to replace lead lines leading to schools and day care centers.

Below is a list of the communities and the estimated number of schools or day care centers with lead service lines slated for replacement under this program:

Antigo — 4 of 4
Ashland — 5 of 5
Clintonville — 2 of 10
Eagle River — 10 of 10
Town of Florence — 2 of 10
Manitowoc — 15 of 15
Marshfield — 10 of 20
Milwaukee — 400 of 400
Monroe — 5 of 5
Mosinee — 2 of 2
Park Falls — 5 of 5
Platteville — 2 of 2
Princeton — 4 of 4
Randolph — 5 of 5
St. Francis — 2 of 5
Sheboygan — 11 of 11
Stratford — 4 of 4
Waterloo — 3 of 3

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