Lead Service Line (LSL) Replacement Program

Lead and Copper Rule

The Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) is the National Primary Drinking Water Regulation that requires action by public water systems to reduce levels of lead and copper in drinking water. Based on this rule, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandated all lead or galvanized iron service lines for water be replaced.

Lead in the Environment

Lead is a naturally occurring metal that can be toxic to humans and animals if ingested. It can be found in the air, soil, water, and inside our homes. Lead has been used in many products found around the home in the form of paint, ceramics, plumbing materials, gasoline, batteries, and cosmetics. When lead is released into the air, it can travel long distances before settling to the ground.

As you know, exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can lead to new learning and behavior problems or exacerbate existing learning and behavior problems. The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased risk of these adverse health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney, or nervous system problems. Click here to view more information regarding the health effects of lead.

Please share this information with anyone who drinks and/or cooks using water at your property. In addition to people directly served at your property, this can include people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, businesses, as well as parents served by childcare at your property.

Lead and Drinking Water

Although the majority of lead exposure comes from sources around the home and in the environment, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that between 10 - 20% of lead exposure comes from drinking water. Lead service lines were typically installed before 1950. Lead pipes are dull gray in color and are soft enough to be easily scratched with a house key. Also, a magnet will not stick to a lead pipe.

Whitewater's water does not have lead present when it leaves our wells and our water mains do not contain lead. However, water can be contaminated as it travels through the lead service pipes that connect some older homes to the water mains, since these service pipes can slowly corrode over time. You can easily determine if your water service line is lead by inspecting the water line entering your home from the street, usually located in the basement.

There are a number of factors that can contribute to the amount of lead that enters your drinking water, including the corrosivity of the water, the temperature of the water as it passes through the pipes, and the length of time between water use while the water remains idle in the pipes. Hot water and water that has been sitting in the pipes for long periods of time are more likely to pick up contaminants from the pipes and fixtures. The City of Whitewater Utility tests the drinking water each year for contaminants, including lead, to ensure that your drinking water continues to be safe to drink.

Water service lines are broken up into two sections: The public side and the private side (see illustration below). The portion of the water lateral that runs from the curb stop to the water meter is the homeowner's responsibility.

Ordinance No. 2024-0-13

The City of Whitewater Common Council passed Ordinance No. 2024-O-13 requiring the replacement of all lead and galvanized service lines. Lead and galvanized service lines cannot be repaired or modified and must be replaced in their entirety. The intent and purpose of the ordinance is to ensure the water quality at every tap of each utility customer meets the quality standards specified under federal and state law, to ideally reduce the lead contaminant level to zero and eliminate the constriction of water flow caused by mineral deposits inside lead pipes. Property owners who fail to replace a customer-side Lead Water Service Line, as required by this ordinance, may in accordance with PSC Chapter 185.37 have their water service discontinued, to such property, until the customer-side Lead Water Service Line is replaced.

Service Line Identification

If you are identified with a lead or galvanized water service line, you were notified by letter regarding the process for replacing your line. The City of Whitewater's goal is to remove all lead water service lines within the City. Please contact the Water Utility at (262) 473-0560 if you have additional questions.

Walworth County - Public Health Division

Analysis for lead in drinking water is also available through the Walworth County Public Health Water Laboratory at Walworth County Health & Human Services, 1910 County Road NN, Elkhorn, WI 53121. Questions may be directed to (262) 741-3200.

We understand residents may have concerns about the safety of their water and may be interested in testing for lead. Residents can purchase a sample bottle from the Walworth County Health & Human Services Office for $25 (or $20 each for multiple bottles). Payments can be made via cash or check. Bottles may be purchased during normal business hours. Once a resident has collected their water sample they can return the bottle to HHS. They will facilitate delivery to the analyzing laboratory. Test results will be available within 7-10 business days and can be provided via email, phone, or mail. Analysis is provided via a certified laboratory. All charges incurred from testing are the responsibility of the homeowner.

Additional Certified Water Testing Labs

The following labs are certified, for lead testing, by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR). You may contact them and request a water sample kit to test your water.

*Please note all charges incurred from testing are the responsibility of the homeowner.

Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene (WSLH)

Madison, WI

800-442-4618

TG Analytical Laboratory

Greenville, WI

920-757-1355

Northern Lake Service

Crandon, WI

715-478-2777

This is not an all inclusive list. Please visit the WI DNR Site for full list https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/labCert/certified-lab-lists

The utility does not endorse one company over another.