Milwaukee, WI · PWSID WI2410100
Milwaukee Waterworks lead service lines
65,331 lead or galvanized lines to replace
Milwaukee Waterworks reported 65,331 lead and 0 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 160,819 in its inventory. That's 41% of all its lines. Another 26,341 (16%) are still listed as unknown material.
Ranks #1 of 258 Wisconsin systems with confirmed lead lines, and #5 nationally.
41% of Milwaukee Waterworks's service lines are lead or galvanized requiring replacement. That's higher than the Wisconsin average (11%) and higher than the national average (3.1%).
- Lead 41%
- Galvanized (replace) 0%
- Unknown 16%
- Non-lead 43%
Total service lines reported: 160,819. Reported all required service line types. Population served: 626,000; 231,851 connections.
Lead test results
Milwaukee Waterworks's most recent 90th-percentile lead result (Jun 2023–Sep 2023) was 5.3 ppb, 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 69,021 in 2025 Q1 to 65,331 in 2026 Q3: down 3,690 (5.3%). Lines of unknown material went from 34,221 to 26,341, down 7,880 (23%).
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 no Lead and Copper Rule violations for Milwaukee Waterworks since 2015. That covers testing, reporting, corrosion control and public notice requirements; it isn't a guarantee about any individual home.
Source: EPA SDWIS violation records for the Lead and Copper Rule.
Where the water comes from
Milwaukee Waterworks's main water source is surface water (rivers, lakes or reservoirs). It sells water to 10 other water systems: Brown Deer Waterworks, Greendale Waterworks, West Allis Waterworks, Wauwatosa Waterworks, Shorewood Waterworks, Mequon Water Utility, Menomonee Falls WW - Surface Water, Butler Waterworks, New Berlin Water Utility, Waukesha Water Utility.
Source: EPA SDWIS water system and facility records.
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 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.
Official utility link, checked November 2026.
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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee County
Cities served
ZIP codes served
ZIP codes whose center falls inside Milwaukee Waterworks's mapped service area (EPA service area boundaries). Neighboring utilities may serve parts of the same ZIP.
532035320453205532065320753208532105321253215532165321953233
Other water systems nearby
| System | Lead + galv. | Unknown |
|---|---|---|
| West Allis Waterworks | 7,719 | 758 |
| Wauwatosa Waterworks | 8,665 | 653 |
| South Milwaukee Waterworks | 591 | 3,254 |
| Cudahy Waterworks | 2,151 | 1,729 |
| Whitefish Bay Waterworks | 2,436 | 1,479 |
| Shorewood Waterworks | 2,246 | 698 |
| Glendale Waterworks | 11 | 59 |
| Fox Point Waterworks | 107 | 153 |
Check another water system
Questions
Does Milwaukee Waterworks have lead pipes?
Yes. Milwaukee Waterworks reported 65,331 lead service lines and 0 galvanized lines that must be replaced, out of 160,819 total. 26,341 more are of unknown material.
How do I check if my home's service line is lead?
Look up your address on Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee Waterworks had lead violations?
EPA's data shows no Lead and Copper Rule violations since 2015 for Milwaukee 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, "Milwaukee Waterworks lead service lines," https://leadpipemap.com/wi/milwaukee-waterworks/. Source: EPA SDWIS service line inventory, 2026 Q3. Download the full dataset on the data page.