Leading on Lead Removal |
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News |
Written by Jeff Smith, State Senator District 31 |
Wednesday, 30 October 2024 10:38 |
http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/clean-drinking-water-s450.jpg EAU CLAIRE, WI - For years now you have probably heard officials warn about Lead Service Lines (LSL) or lead laterals. These are the pipes that bring water into a home or business from the main waterline out in the street. Every budget year, whether it be local, state or federal government, there are debates over funds for removing LSL’s to private homes. The reason for concern is because lead has been proven to cause many health issues. There is no safe level of lead exposure no matter your age. In adults it is proven to cause neuropathy and to weaken bone health. The neurological effects in children, though, are most alarming. Lead can be the cause of ADHD, delayed learning, lower IQ, developmental problems and even hypertension. In other words, lead is poisonous to anyone.
The water many people consume may be poisoning them through no fault of their own. It can be a daunting task for a private homeowner to remove these lines. That is why programs have been established to help with that removal. Funding has too often been the stumbling block, though. The Wisconsin DNR offers free technical assistance to small municipalities that report LSL’s in their distribution system. As of June of this year 280 systems have received that assistance. Wisconsin began a pilot program in 2017-18 using $26 million in unused funds that 40 municipalities took advantage of. Around 7,000 lines were removed through that program. In 2021-22 Wisconsin was one of eight states that participated in the Water Infrastructure Fund Transfer Act (WIFTA). With the $63.8 million from WIFTA, 14,000 private LSLs were removed in 132 municipalities. As you can see, this problem is widespread and expensive to solve. Up to now, we have moved at a tortoise speed attacking a problem that is affecting millions of citizens daily. Wisconsin will receive up to $400 million to address LSL’s from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). This will take place from 2024 through 2027. According to the DNR the average cost of removing a private LSL in your home is $4,220 though that can vary depending on location and other factors. The BIL funding will not be nearly enough to remove all those dangerous lead lines but it is a start. The Governor requested $200 million for LSL removal in the 2023-25 budget but it was not in the final budget approved by the legislature.
To learn more about lead service line replacement in Eau Claire, or to confirm whether your water service line material is a lead service line, please contact the Utility Division at 715-839-5045 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . While it is encouraging that such a program is available in Eau Claire, whether you have safe drinking water should not depend on where you live. Everyone should feel free to drink their tap water knowing it is safe. With a projected $4.6 billion budget surplus there is no excuse for Wisconsin dragging its feet. Sen. Smith encourage Eau Claire residents to call the city utility department to get their pipes tested for lead by calling 715-839-5045. Senator Smith represents District 31 in the Wisconsin State Senate. The 31st Senate District includes all of Buffalo, Pepin and Trempealeau counties and portions of Pierce, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson and St. Croix counties. |
Last Updated on Wednesday, 30 October 2024 11:03 |
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