Winona Lead Service Line Replacement Program
Winona serves about 27,782 people and reported 0 lead and 2,706 galvanized service lines that must be replaced, out of 8,959 lines, in EPA's Q3 2026 inventory, plus 3 lines of unknown material. Here's who pays to replace yours, what it costs, and how to sign up.
Awaiting grants for 2026 projects
Winona's inventory found no lead lines but 2,620 galvanized lines that must be replaced. The city says owners are responsible for the whole service line, but it applied for state and federal grants for three 2026 replacement projects. Minnesota's state grant program is meant to make replacement free for residents.
How to get it
- Check your address on Minnesota's service line map (maps.umn.edu/LSL).
- Ask the Winona Water Department whether your street is in a 2026 grant project.
- Don't pay for replacement until you know whether grant money will cover it.
Sources: winonamn.gov, health.state.mn.us
Lead lines in Winona
The most recent 90th-percentile lead result EPA lists for this system is 2 parts per billion (2023-01 to 2025-12). Under the new federal rule, the action level drops to 10 ppb in 2027. Galvanized lines count if they ever sat downstream of a lead pipe, because they can hold lead particles. Unknown lines must be identified by the utility, and many turn out to be lead.
How Winona compares: it ranks #179 of 7,556 U.S. water systems and #4 of 460 in Minnesota for lead and galvanized lines. 30.2% of its service lines need replacing, compared with 8.0% across Minnesota. See the national ranking.
Source: EPA SDWIS Service Line Inventory, Q3 2026 · Utility phone: 5074578237 · PWSID MN1850013
Winona lead service line map: check your address
Every water utility had to publish an inventory of its service lines, and most offer an address lookup map. Start with Winona's official lead program page, which links to its lookup or explains how to get your line checked. The status will be lead, galvanized requiring replacement, non-lead or unknown. If it's unknown, you can usually check the pipe yourself and send the utility a photo.
Who pays in Minnesota?
Minnesota set a goal in 2023 to remove every lead service line by 2033 and put $240 million of state money, plus federal funds, into a Public Facilities Authority grant program that covers both public and private costs. As a result the big Minnesota programs, including Minneapolis, Saint Paul and Rochester, replace the private side for free.
The law: Minn. Stat. 446A.077 and 446A.078 (2023). Mandatory? State goal: every lead service line removed by 2033. Funding: Minnesota Public Facilities Authority lead service line grants ($240 million state appropriation available through June 2033).
Sources: revisor.mn.gov, house.mn.gov
Nationwide, EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require most utilities to replace every lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement line by December 31, 2037, starting November 1, 2027. Utilities must mail a notice every year to each home with a lead, galvanized or unknown line. See the federal timeline.
What would you pay?
Many utility loans are 0% (enter 0). Private loans run higher. Your real price depends on how far the house sits from the street, digging versus trenchless methods, permits and restoration. This is an estimate, not a quote.
Not covered, or can't wait?
Get up to 3 quotes from licensed plumbers who replace service lines in Winona.
Common questions
Is lead service line replacement free in Winona?
Not yet. Winona's inventory found no lead lines but 2,620 galvanized lines that must be replaced.
Is lead service line replacement mandatory in Winona?
State goal: every lead service line removed by 2033.
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line in Winona?
Most private-side replacements cost about $4,000 to $10,000, and long or difficult lines can run higher. Price depends on the distance from the street to your house, whether the contractor digs a trench or pulls the new pipe through (trenchless), permits, and restoring your lawn, sidewalk or basement wall.
How do I know if my home has a lead service line?
Look up your address on Winona's service line inventory or check the letter it mailed you. You can also check the pipe where it enters your basement, usually near the meter: lead is dull gray, soft, and turns shiny silver when you scratch it with a key, and a magnet won't stick. Galvanized steel is gray too, but a magnet sticks to it. See our step-by-step guide.
What if I can't afford to replace my lead line?
Ask Winona about income-based help first; federal money often makes replacement free for low-income owners. Other options are utility payment plans, 0% city loans, state revolving fund programs, property tax assessments and home improvement loans. Our guide on paying for replacement lists them.
Who owns the water service line?
In most U.S. cities the utility owns the pipe from the water main to the curb stop or property line, and the property owner owns the rest, into the house. Some utilities, including Minneapolis and many in St. Louis County, treat the whole line as the owner's. Federal rules now require utilities to replace the whole lead line, not just their part.
Other Minnesota programs
Minneapolis ✓Saint Paul ✓Duluth ✓Rochester ✓Saint CloudFaribaultBrainerd
Something out of date? Report a change. We recheck program terms at least once a year.