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. In the event that 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. There are many benefits to replacing your LSL: water pressure and flow improvements, potential higher home value, and a lower risk of lead related health issues.
To aid property owners in replacing LSLs, MPU has been applying for Safe Drinking Water Loan Program (SWLP) funds since 2017. MPU has distributed over $2 million dollars of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) funds to over 750 properties over the past 6 years.
In 2021, President Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) that included funding to be used for LSL replacements. One key aspect of the EPA’s BIL implementation plan is “[ensuring] that disadvantaged communities benefit equitably from the historic investment in water infrastructure.” With that direction, MPU applied for funding focusing on the disadvantaged areas of our community by using census information. MPU is one of 40 communities participating in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Lead Service Line Replacement Accelerator Program and received funding for seven census tracts within the City. If your neighborhood has been chosen to receive funding, MPU will be reaching out to discuss your specific funding opportunity further. If you have questions, please reach out to our customer service at 920-683-4600.
LSL Loan Program
If your property has a cost share in replacing your LSL, MPU is pleased to offer a LSL Loan Program to promote the replacement of LSLs serving properties in the City of Manitowoc.
- MPU recognizes the financial burden of replacing the customer-owned private LSLs between the water main and the home. The costs to replace these lines typically range from $3,500-$6,000. In late 2018, MPU filed a request with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) to create an LSL replacement loan program to assist our customers with these unplanned expenses. The PSCW approved the program and tariff in late 2019. The following are details of this loan program:
- MPU has limited annual funds in a revolving LSL loan program.
- Properties which replace their complete lead service line are eligible to apply for a loan from MPU.
- Eligible LSL loan costs include construction related to replacing the lead service line between the water main and the water meter (not including landscaping).
- MPU shall offer 100% financial assistance in the form of a loan up to a maximum of $6,000 at an interest rate of 2.5% for a term of 10 years. The interest rates will be reviewed every two years and adjusted based on the borrowing rate.
- Repayment of the LSL loan shall become due when the home is sold or no longer the homeowner’s primary residence.
Applications for the upcoming loan funding year are due by November 15 annually. By May 31 annually, MPU will prioritize the received applications and award loans to the eligible LSL properties, up to the maximum annual LSL loan amount. Properties with a leaking LSL or other unplanned LSL replacements are permitted to submit an application outside of the above deadlines, for consideration.
To request an application for the program, please contact 920-683-4600.