Milwaukee Mayor Signs Ordinance for Lead Pipe Replacement

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett signs off on a plan to replace the first batch of lead service lines on private properties. 

Under the ordinance approved by the common council a week ago, Milwaukee’s Water Works will replace leaking or damaged lines with copper ones. 

385 daycare centers and eight private schools will also be done using federal money. 

The city said there are roughly 300 leaks on lead service lines each year.

Some owners will share the replacement costs, which will be capped at $1600 and can be paid over 10 years. 

Owners of properties with more than four units are required to replace pipes at their expense.