Lead Service Line (LSL) Replacement program

LCCR NOTICE

Lead Service Line (LSL) Replacement Program

Lead service line improvements on the private side of homes throughout the City of Antigo is being financed by the Safe Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) program. The SRF program is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) with joint funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the State of Wisconsin. This project addresses the need for removal of private lead service lines and replacement with copper piping (from the right-of-way to the home) that were identified by the City of Antigo Water Utility and will minimize the potential for lead to be ingested via drinking water for community residents in and near the City of Antigo. SRF programs operate around the country to provide states and communities the resources necessary to maintain and improve the infrastructure that protects our valuable water resources.

This program aims to remove private lead service lines and replace them with copper piping, reducing the risk of lead contamination in drinking water for residents. Thanks to the proactive utilization of grants, all private replacements of lead service lines, in collaboration with the City of Antigo’s LSL Replacement Program, will come at NO COST to the homeowner.

For more information and/or to obtain the Lead Service Removal Agreement please call our office 715-623-3633 x-132 or visit City Hall Public Works Office at 700 Edison Street.

Inventory of Water Service Line Materials

Lead and Copper Rule

The Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) is the National Primary Drinking Water Regulation that requires action by public water systems to reduce levels of lead and copper in drinking water. Based on this rule, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandated all lead or galvanized iron service lines for water be replaced.

Lead in the Environment

Lead is a naturally occurring metal that can be toxic to humans and animals if ingested. It can be found in the air, soil, water, and inside our homes. Lead has been used in many products found around the home in the form of paint, ceramics, plumbing materials, gasoline, batteries, and cosmetics. When lead is released into the air, it can travel long distances before settling to the ground.

As you know, exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can lead to new learning and behavior problems or exacerbate existing learning and behavior problems. The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased risk of these adverse health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney, or nervous system problems. Click here to view more information regarding the health effects of lead.

Please share this information with anyone who drinks and/or cooks using water at your property. In addition to people directly served at your property, this can include people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, businesses, as well as parents served by childcare at your property.

Lead and Drinking Water

Although the majority of lead exposure comes from sources around the home and in the environment, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that between 10 – 20% of lead exposure comes from drinking water. Lead service lines were typically installed before 1950. Lead pipes are dull gray in color and are soft enough to be easily scratched with a house key. Also, a magnet will not stick to a lead pipe.

City of Antigo’s water does not have lead present when it leaves our wells and our water mains do not contain lead. However, water can be contaminated as it travels through the lead service pipes that connect some older homes to the water mains, since these service pipes can slowly corrode over time. You can easily determine if your water service line is lead by inspecting the water line entering your home from the street, usually located in the basement.

There are a number of factors that can contribute to the amount of lead that enters your drinking water, including the corrosivity of the water, the temperature of the water as it passes through the pipes, and the length of time between water use while the water remains idle in the pipes. Hot water and water that has been sitting in the pipes for long periods of time are more likely to pick up contaminants from the pipes and fixtures. The City of Antigo Water Utility tests the drinking water each year for contaminants, including lead, to ensure that your drinking water continues to be safe to drink.

Water service lines are broken up into two sections: The public side and the private side (see illustration below). The portion of the water lateral that runs from the curb stop to the water meter is the homeowner’s responsibility.

LSL Pic

Service Line Identification

If you are identified with a lead or galvanized water service line, you were notified by letter regarding the process for replacing your line. The City of Antigo’s goal is to remove all lead water service lines within the City. Learn what your service line material is, contact us or a licensed plumber to determine if your service line is made from lead, galvanized, or other materials.

Certified Water Testing Labs

The following labs are certified, for lead testing, by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR). You may contact them and request a water sample kit to test your water.

*Please note all charges incurred from testing are the responsibility of the homeowner.

Northern Lake Service

Crandon, WI

715-478-2777

Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene (WSLH)

Madison, WI

800-442-4618

TG Analytical Laboratory

Greenville, WI

920-757-1355

This is not an all inclusive list. Please visit the WI DNR Site for full list https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/labCert/certified-lab-lists

The utility does not endorse one company over another.