Milwaukee has replaced 10,000 lead service lines since 2017 -- but there's still a long way to go

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — The city of Milwaukee is working to make drinking water safer for all residents. This year, it's ramping up the nearly two-decade long effort to replace all lead service lines.

"It's a step toward our greater goal, which is ensuring that no child in Milwaukee is at risk of lead exposure through drinking water," said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson joined Milwaukee Water Works employees on Tuesday, May 13, celebrating their 10,000th lead service line replacement.

"To ramp up this program and to get to 10,000 lines as quick as we did now, and hopefully in another two years, we'll be doing the same thing at 20,000, is exciting." said Jerrel Kruschke, commissioner for Milwaukee Public Works.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is requiring all lead lines to be replaced by 2037.

There's still a lot of work to be done, with 65,000 left in Milwaukee.

"It's a big number, but as we ramp up that number to get to 5,000 a year, it's going to go quick."

It's been a process since 2017, initially with about 1,000 lines replaced a year.

That more than doubled in 2024, with 2,700 replaced.

This year, their goal is 3,500 replaced lines.

"We split up into two halves of the city," Kruschke said. "We're doing work on the north side and the south side at the same time, so not just to focus on one area of the city."

The city prioritizes neighborhoods based on blood lead levels in young children and socioeconomic status.

Replacements are free, but property owners have to consent to it.

"You can fill the form. They will send you the requirements. It's really easy. Very easy process," said property owner Ashwani Malhorta. "We have to have better health for everyone."

He manages several rentals in Milwaukee that are undergoing replacements and says it has been beneficial for his tenants.

"If you're a property owner, if you're a resident, please sign off on that," Kruschke said.

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