Lead pipes in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin
How many lead pipes are in Milwaukee County, WI?
Water systems based in Milwaukee County reported 89,251 lead service lines, 6 galvanized lines that need replacing and 35,124 lines of unknown material to EPA (Q3 2026). Milwaukee has the most, with 65,331 lead and galvanized lines.
Who pays in Wisconsin
Wisconsin lets each utility decide. Under a 2017 law, utilities can offer grants or loans to owners for the private side with Public Service Commission approval. The DNR gives municipalities principal forgiveness (money that does not have to be repaid) for private-side work, and since July 2025 state law also allows forgiving loans for lead line projects. Homeowners cannot apply to the DNR directly; the money flows through the city.
Confirmed programs in Milwaukee County
- Milwaukee: Owner pays the lesser of actual or average cost.
- Wauwatosa: No private-side program found.
- West Allis: Replacing with street projects; policy in progress.
Every Milwaukee County water system with lead lines
Systems are grouped by the county EPA lists as their main service area. Some serve towns in neighboring counties too.
| Water system | Lead | Galv. | Unknown | Program |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee Milwaukee Waterworks | 65,331 | 0 | 26,341 | Utility pays part |
| Wauwatosa Wauwatosa Waterworks | 8,665 | 0 | 653 | Owner pays private side |
| West Allis West Allis Waterworks | 7,719 | 0 | 758 | Program not open yet |
| Whitefish Bay Whitefish Bay Waterworks | 2,436 | 0 | 1,479 | Not confirmed |
| Shorewood Shorewood Waterworks | 2,246 | 0 | 698 | Not confirmed |
| Cudahy Cudahy Waterworks | 2,151 | 0 | 1,729 | Not confirmed |
| South Milwaukee South Milwaukee Waterworks | 585 | 6 | 3,254 | Not confirmed |
| Fox Point Fox Point Waterworks | 107 | 0 | 153 | Not confirmed |
| Glendale Glendale Waterworks | 11 | 0 | 59 | Not confirmed |
Systems over the new 10 ppb lead action level
Cudahy (13 ppb, 2025-07 to 2025-12). See all systems over 10 ppb.
Common questions
How many lead pipes are in Milwaukee County, WI?
Water systems based in Milwaukee County reported 89,251 lead service lines, 6 galvanized lines that need replacing and 35,124 lines of unknown material to EPA (Q3 2026). Milwaukee has the most, with 65,331 lead and galvanized lines.
Who pays to replace lead service lines in Milwaukee County?
It depends on your water utility. Wisconsin lets each utility decide. We have confirmed programs for 3 Milwaukee County utilities, listed on this page.
How do I find out if my house has a lead service line?
Look up your address on your water utility's service line inventory map, or check the pipe where it enters your home: lead is dull gray, soft, scratches to shiny silver, and a magnet won't stick. See our step-by-step guide.
Other Wisconsin counties
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