Wisconsin · population 563,531
Lead pipes in Milwaukee, WI
65,331 lead or galvanized lines to replace
Most of Milwaukee (population 563,531) gets its water from Milwaukee Waterworks. That system reported 65,331 lead and 0 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 160,819, with 26,341 more of unknown material.
41% of Milwaukee Waterworks's service lines are lead or galvanized requiring replacement, higher than the Wisconsin average (11%) and higher than the national average (3.1%).
- Lead 41%
- Galvanized (replace) 0%
- Unknown 16%
- Non-lead 43%
Latest lead test for Milwaukee Waterworks (Jun 2023–Sep 2023): 5.3 ppb at the 90th percentile, against a 15 ppb federal action level. Full test history.
Compliance record: EPA lists no Lead and Copper Rule violations since 2015 for Milwaukee Waterworks.
Water systems serving Milwaukee
| Water system | Lead | Galv. | Unknown | % lead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee WaterworksMain system | 65,331 | 0 | 26,341 | 41% |
| Robert William Park Water Association INCAlso serves parts of the city | 0 | 0 | 300 | 0% |
| Wauwatosa WaterworksServes nearby areas | 8,665 | 0 | 653 | 56% |
Matched from EPA water system service area boundaries and the cities each system reports serving. Edges of the city may be served by a neighboring system; your water bill names your utility.
Replacement program
Owner pays the private-side share
Milwaukee Water Works replaces lead lines in priority areas. Through the Owner Request Program, owners pay the actual private-side cost or the average cost, whichever is less (the city lists a five-year average of $3,454). A proposal to eliminate the owner cost was under discussion.
- Check your address with Milwaukee Water Works.
- Request replacement through the Owner Request Program (200 properties a year from 2026).
- Call Milwaukee Water Works at (414) 286-2830.
Checked November 2026. Sources: city.milwaukee.gov, tmj4.com. Programs and funding change, so confirm with the utility. Programs in other cities.
Check your address in Milwaukee
The counts above cover the whole water system. To see whether your line is lead, look up your address on Milwaukee Waterworks's official inventory. Utilities had to make these public by October 16, 2024.
No map yet? Do the 2-minute scratch and magnet test.
Protect your drinking water
If your line is lead, galvanized or unknown, use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead for drinking, cooking and baby formula, and use only cold water.
Choosing a lead-certified filter · Testing your water · Replacement cost
Nearby cities
- Wauwatosa8,665 lead + galv. lines
- West Milwaukee65,331 lead + galv. lines
- Shorewood2,246 lead + galv. lines
- Glendale11 lead + galv. lines
- Whitefish Bay2,436 lead + galv. lines
- West Allis7,719 lead + galv. lines
- Elm Grove3 lead + galv. lines
- Butlerno lead reported
Check another water system
Questions
Does Milwaukee, WI have lead pipes?
Yes. Milwaukee Waterworks, which serves Milwaukee, reported 65,331 lead and 0 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines, plus 26,341 of unknown material.
Who supplies water to Milwaukee?
EPA's service area maps place most of Milwaukee in Milwaukee Waterworks's service area (PWSID WI2410100). Robert William Park Water Association INC, Wauwatosa Waterworks also serve parts of the city or nearby areas.
How do I check whether my Milwaukee home has a lead service line?
Search your address on Milwaukee Waterworks's service line inventory map. You can also scratch the pipe where water enters your home: lead is soft, dull gray, scratches to shiny silver and doesn't attract a magnet.
When will lead pipes in Milwaukee be replaced?
EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require most systems to replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037. Ask Milwaukee Waterworks whether your street is scheduled and whether it covers the private side.