Wisconsin law removes crucial barrier to lead pipe replacement

Environmental Defense Fund

Yesterday, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker signed legislation that takes an important step to replacing the 240,000 lead service lines (LSLs) in communities across the state. SB-48 allows municipalities and water utilities to provide financial assistance to property owners to replace LSLs on private property. We described the legislation in an earlier blog – and applauded the critical work of state advocates in building support for the law.

Ownership issues can complicate LSL replacement, as the property owner typically is responsible for the portion of the water service line on private property. This split-ownership is a crucial challenge for accelerating replacement programs because some states prohibit the use of rate funds to replace LSLs on private property.

Wisconsin now joins the ranks of Pennsylvania and Indiana as the third state since Flint became national news to overcome this challenge by passing legislation allowing water utilities to use rates paid by customers to replace LSLs.

Read the full blog.