New grant, loan program will replace lead service lines to Kenosha residents

KENOSHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Kenosha residents will be the first in the state to benefit from a new grant and loan program through the Kenosha Water Utility to replace lead service lines.

On Sept. 18, a local plumbing contractor is scheduled to replace a leaking lead pipe entering a home occupied by a couple and a young child.

“Thank you to Senator Cowles and Jeremy Thiesfeldt as sponsors of this legislation and to the legislators who unanimously approved the bill. I am also proud to say that Kenosha is the first city in the state to implement this program. We have a motto – ‘Let’s Get the Lead Out!’" said Kenosha Mayor Antaramian.

The Kenosha Water Utility set up the grant and loan system to help homeowners with the high cost of replacing the lead water service lines (laterals). Homeowners are responsible for the laterals from their homes to the property line, while the city maintains the pipes from the property line to the water main.

The system allows the utility to provide grants of 50 percent, combined with a 10-year, low-interest loan that can be placed on owners’ property tax bills.