State Environmental Regulators Launch New Grant Program to Support Education Regarding Lead Line Replacement Projects

Friday, August 9th, 2024 -- 9:01 AM

(Danielle Kaeding, Wisconsin Public Radio) State environmental regulators are launching a new grant program to support education and outreach about ongoing lead line replacement projects.

According to Danielle Kaeding with Wisconsin Public Radio, Gov. Tony Evers announced the $4 million grant program Monday, which is being funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“Every Wisconsinite should be able to have clean, safe drinking water right from their tap. Replacing our state’s lead service lines is no small feat, and effective community outreach is vital to the success of these efforts and ensuring that consumers, private property owners, and local community leaders know what resources and tools are available,” Evers said in a statement.

Most recent data shows Wisconsin utilities own about 158,000 lead service lines, and the state has around 147,000 known private lead lines. As many as 229,000 pipes on the private side could contain or collect lead, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

In October, Evers announced more than $402 million for upgrading drinking water systems, which includes $30 million for Milwaukee to replace lead service lines. Altogether, Wisconsin is receiving more than $900 million in additional Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds for its environmental loan programs.

The state is also receiving $83 million as one of four states taking part in a national program to accelerate lead line replacement. Agency staff shared details of the new program in a meeting with its drinking water and groundwater study group last Thursday that was broadcast by Wisconsin Eye.

Olivia Fronmueller, DNR federal programs project manager, said the program will help municipal public water systems educate residents in communities with upcoming or ongoing projects.

“Some goals can include educating the customers that might be impacted by the replacement, informing them of public health information about the lead service lines, and what actions they can take to protect their health before, during or after the replacement,” Fronmueller said. “Then, it’s also promoting cooperation from customers that might have a private lead service line.”

Lead in paint and dust are the primary source of lead exposure in Wisconsin, but water crises like the one in Flint, Michigan, have highlighted the ongoing problem with lead in drinking water. Lead exposure can damage the brain and kidneys, and children with lead poisoning can experience learning and behavioral issues.

There is no safe level of lead. While the funds support education and outreach, Fronmueller noted they wouldn’t cover construction costs for replacing lead service lines.

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