Worker holding a corroded lead pipe removed from the ground as part of Milwaukee’s lead service line replacement program.

Lead Service Line Replacement Programs

Our Commitment to Replacing Lead Service Lines Across Milwaukee

Milwaukee Water Works is committed to replacing all 65,000 remaining lead service lines by 2037 to protect public health and upgrade aging infrastructure.

Each year, we replace thousands of lead lines through:

Standard replacements – for licensed childcare centers, emergency leaks, and planned construction projects.
Prioritized replacements – focused on neighborhoods with the greatest health and economic need, based on the Milwaukee Priortiziation Program
Owner Request Program – allows property owners to voluntarily replace their lead service lines outside the City's schedule, with cost sharing between the owner and the City.

Our Data-Driven Approach Prioritizes:

Lead Service Line Density: Neighborhoods with the most lead lines.
Childhood Lead Poisoning Rates: Locations with higher rates of elevated blood lead levels in children.
Socioeconomic Need: Based on tools like the Area Deprivation Index

This ensures resources are directed to where they are needed most.

Each year, about 60% of replacements occur on Milwaukee’s North Side and 40% on the South Side, based on need. These efforts align with federal standards and are supported by funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law through 2026.

When Replacement is Required (Standard replacements)

Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 225-22.5 requires a full replacement of the lead service line, from the water main to the meter, in these situations:

Childcare Facilities

For licensed group childcare centers, family daycare centers, or certified childcare homes
(Approximately 50–75 per year)

Daycare leader sitting with three young children, painting together in a childcare setting

Leaks or Failures

If a leak is found on either the privately owned or city-owned portion of the line
(Approximately 500–550 per year)

A 15-inch diameter AC pipe that is leaking or has burst.

Planned Infrastructure Projects

When the City replaces water mains or fully reconstructs roads
(Approximately 500–650 per year)

Neighborhood Prioritization

Milwaukee Water Works prioritizes lead service line replacements in high-need neighborhoods – areas facing greater health risks and infrastructure challenges.

A weighted scoring system guides this work, using data on:

Elevated blood lead levels in children
Number of lead service lines
Socioeconomic conditions

(Approximately 1,000 replacements in 2024)

Learn more about the Prioritization Plan

Voluntary Replacements: Owner Request Option

Milwaukee Water Works also offers a voluntary replacement option (subject to capacity) for lead service lines that are not part of a required replacement.

To participate, property owners must agree to pay for the full cost of replacing the private portion of the line.

Learn more about voluntary lead service line replacements and apply