KENOSHA, Wis. — Approximately 7,000 lead service lines remain across Kenosha, and the Kenosha Water Utility is urging households with children younger than 7 or a pregnant woman to contact the utility promptly about replacement assistance. For qualifying households, available funding could cover the full cost of replacing the pipes that connect street water mains to homes and buildings.
The utility announced expanded outreach Tuesday, October 27, as part of its multiyear effort to eliminate lead service lines citywide. Officials said households do not need to wait for a letter or postcard before reaching out, and residents can contact the utility even if they do not know what their service line is made of.
“Kenosha Water Utility has already removed more than 2,000 lead service lines over the last several years, and based on available records, approximately 7,000 lead service lines remain across Kenosha,” said utility General Manager Curt Czarnecki. “We’re working diligently to bring that number to zero as quickly as possible.”
Czarnecki said funding is limited and assistance will be prioritized, making prompt contact particularly important for households with young children or a pregnant woman. Assistance depends on the property, household eligibility, program requirements and available funding.
Residents, including renters, can call 262-653-4315 or email [email protected] to help determine whether their home has a lead service line and whether financial assistance may be available. The utility also launched KWULSLP.org, which provides program information, access to a service-line property map and answers to common questions.
Replacement work is already underway at eligible properties in designated project areas, according to the utility. Residents who receive communications from KWU or Clark Dietz, the engineering firm helping manage the current replacement project, are encouraged to respond promptly and follow the instructions provided for their property.
According to KWU, lead is not present in water leaving its treatment plant, but it can enter drinking water through lead service lines or older household plumbing before reaching the tap. The utility treats its water to help minimize that potential, while replacing lead service lines removes a possible source of exposure.
The announcement coincides with National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 25–31, and Children’s Health Month. KWU said all residents can use the new website to check the information recorded for their address and should contact the utility if their service-line material is listed as unknown.
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