Dorchester, WI · PWSID WI6100326
Dorchester Waterworks lead service lines
252 lines still unidentified
Dorchester Waterworks reported no confirmed lead service lines, but 252 of 383 lines (66%) are still listed as "lead status unknown." Until a line is identified, treat it as possibly lead.
0% of Dorchester Waterworks's service lines are lead or galvanized requiring replacement. That's lower than the Wisconsin average (11%) and lower than the national average (3.1%).
- Lead 0%
- Galvanized (replace) 0%
- Unknown 66%
- Non-lead 34%
Total service lines reported: 383. Reported all required service line types. Population served: 834; 398 connections.
Lead test results
Dorchester Waterworks's most recent 90th-percentile lead result (Jul 2022–Dec 2022) was not detected, below both the 15 ppb action level and the 10 ppb level that takes effect in 2027. This means 90% of homes sampled were at or below that level; individual homes, especially those with lead lines, can be higher.
Lead and Copper Rule 90th-percentile results reported to EPA, in parts per billion. Dashed lines: 15 ppb action level and the 10 ppb level from November 1, 2027.
Progress since 2025 Q1
Reported lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines went from 0 in 2025 Q1 to 0 in 2026 Q3: no change. Lines of unknown material went from 404 to 252, down 152 (38%).
Quarterly counts reported to EPA. A drop usually means lines were replaced or confirmed non-lead; a rise usually means more lines were identified. Replacement progress rankings.
Lead rule violations
EPA's data lists 1 Lead and Copper Rule violation since 2015, 1 health-based for Dorchester Waterworks. Health-based violations are treatment failures, such as corrosion control or public education; the rest are missed monitoring or reporting.
| Began | Violation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2018 | Corrosion control study or recommendation not done health-based | Returned to compliance |
Source: EPA SDWIS violation records for the Lead and Copper Rule.
Where the water comes from
Dorchester Waterworks's main water source is groundwater (wells).
Source: EPA SDWIS water system and facility records.
Check your own address
These counts cover the whole system. To see whether your line is lead, use the utility's address-level inventory. Utilities had to prepare one by October 16, 2024 and make it publicly accessible; systems serving more than 50,000 people must post it online.
No map yet? Do the 2-minute scratch and magnet test on the pipe where water enters your home.
Protect your drinking water now
If your line is lead, galvanized or unknown, filter water for drinking, cooking and baby formula. Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead. Run cold water for a few minutes after it sits for hours, and never use hot tap water for cooking.
How to pick a lead-certified filter · How to test your water for lead
Getting the line replaced
EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require most systems to replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037. Ask Dorchester Waterworks whether it replaces the private side for free or with a cost share before you hire anyone. If you want it done sooner, or your utility doesn't cover your side, a licensed plumber can quote it. What replacement costs.
County pages: Lead pipes in Clark County
Other water systems nearby
| System | Lead + galv. | Unknown |
|---|---|---|
| Neillsville Waterworks | 17 | 1,154 |
| Thorp Waterworks | 196 | 156 |
| Loyal Waterworks | 0 | 0 |
| Greenwood Waterworks | 0 | 120 |
| Owen Waterworks | 7 | 1 |
| Clark County Rehabilitation & Living Center | 0 | 6 |
| Pine Island Estates | 0 | 29 |
| Village Acres Mobile Home CT LLC | 0 | 20 |
Check another water system
Questions
Does Dorchester Waterworks have lead pipes?
It hasn't confirmed any, but 252 of its 383 service lines are still of unknown material, so lead has not been ruled out.
How do I check if my home's service line is lead?
Look up your address on Dorchester Waterworks's official service line inventory, which utilities must make publicly available. You can also scratch the pipe where it enters your home: lead is soft, dull gray, scratches to shiny silver and does not attract a magnet.
When will Dorchester Waterworks replace lead service lines?
Under EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, most systems must replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037, starting from November 1, 2027. The rule is being challenged in court, so dates could change. Many utilities run free or cost-share programs now.
Has Dorchester Waterworks had lead violations?
EPA's data shows 1 Lead and Copper Rule violation since 2015, 1 health-based for Dorchester Waterworks.
Which water filters remove lead?
Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction, or NSF/ANSI 58 for reverse osmosis. Check the certification on NSF's listings, not just the box.
Embed or cite this data
Local news sites, blogs and community groups can embed this card. It updates when EPA releases new data.
Citation: Lead Pipe Map, "Dorchester Waterworks lead service lines," https://leadpipemap.com/wi/dorchester-waterworks/. Source: EPA SDWIS service line inventory, 2026 Q3. Download the full dataset on the data page.