For a limited time, MPU has secured funding to assist all our customers in replacing their lead or galvanized iron (LSL) water service lines, but you must act now! This funding will pay 50% of the replacement costs. The remaining 50% is the responsibility of the property owner. In the City of Manitowoc (City), the entire water service (from the watermain to the meter in the home) is owned by the property owner. If a water service needs to be repaired or replaced, the property owner is responsible for all costs. Additionally, if a water service is leaking and the service line is lead or galvanized iron (LSL), the property owner must replace the water service.
Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Lead testing completed by MPU has found lead levels in some homes above the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) action limit. MPU continuously addresses this health concern and is committed to informing and educating our customers about lead, as well as securing funding to assist with the replacement of LSLs in our community. Letters and replacement agreements are being sent to homes where MPU’s records indicate there is a LSL. If you have questions about your property, please contact us at 920-683-4600. See below for additional information about water service lines and LSLs.
1. What is a water service?
A water service is the small pipe that connects the watermain to your home. It is entirely owned by the property owner. It is commonly made of copper, lead, galvanized iron, or plastic. See below for a service line diagram.
2. I have a lead service. Is the water safe to drink?
Yes. Lead is not found in Manitowoc’s source water (Lake Michigan) or the treatment plant. Lead comes from the water service lines running between the water main in the street and the home, and from plumbing inside the home. When water stands for several hours or more in fixtures or pipes that contain lead, the lead may leach into the water. MPU needs to comply with the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule. MPU is required to collect lead and copper samples from private residences to monitor the lead and copper action levels. MPU also uses a polyphosphate for corrosion control – a method allowed by EPA to control lead and copper corrosion. If the lead samples exceed the EPA lead action level, MPU is required to advise all water customers of the various ways you can use to reduce the risk of lead in your drinking water. See our lead awareness information on the MPU website – www.mpu.org/lead.
3. I have a lead service. Do I have to replace it?
Lead or galvanized iron water services are required to be replaced under certain circumstances: if they are leaking, or whenever a public works project may impact the water lines. See City of Manitowoc Municipal Code 17.090 (4) (c).
Even if you do not have to replace it, if any part of your water service is made of lead or galvanized iron, it is recommended to replace your water service. For a limited time, MPU has secured funding to assist all our customers in replacing their lead or galvanized iron (LSL) water service lines, but you must act now! This funding will pay 50% of the replacement costs. The remaining 50% is the responsibility of the property owner.
4. How do I determine what material my water service is?
We have guidance on the MPU website by clicking this link. If you are unable to identify your service material, a plumber can assist you.
5. How much will this cost me?
Letters and replacement agreements are being sent to homes where MPU’s records indicate there is a LSL. The letter details the property owner’s cost responsibility as well as the limited available funding assistance. If a property owner does not replace their LSL while the funding is available, the full cost will become the property owner’s responsibility.
6. What material are the water mains made of?
The water mains are owned by MPU and are commonly made of cast iron, ductile iron, and PVC.
7. The pipes and water services are underground. How do I know what they are made of?
Customers should go into their basement and look at the pipe between the water meter and the floor/wall. This pipe will be what the piping to the street is. Some homes have been re-plumbed but the plumbing between the home and the street was not updated and this is what should be checked.
8. I live in an apartment building. Will the manager replace any lead lines?
All owners of properties with a suspected lead service line have been notified of the benefits of replacing the LSL. Please contact your local apartment manager or landlord.
9. How can I go about having my home’s drinking water tested for lead?
There are several certified drinking water testing laboratories in Wisconsin. Visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/DrinkingWater/laboratories.html to locate a facility. Be sure to contact the laboratory before taking a sample, since specific instructions need to be followed to achieve meaningful and accurate results. Also, avoid off-the-shelf test kits. These kits are meant to be more of a screening tool, and do not provide the accuracy that a certified laboratory will give you.
10. What does the replacement process look like?
The video below is not specific to MPU or created by MPU, but it gives a really good overview of the general replacement process:
For a limited time, MPU has secured funding to assist all our customers in replacing their lead or galvanized iron (LSL) water service lines, but you must act now! This funding will pay 50% of the replacement costs. The remaining 50% is the responsibility of the property owner. In the City of Manitowoc (City), the entire water service (from the watermain to the meter in the home) is owned by the property owner. If a water service needs to be repaired or replaced, the property owner is responsible for all costs. Additionally, if a water service is leaking and the service line is lead or galvanized iron (LSL), the property owner must replace the water service.