State guide
Wisconsin
Wisconsin has one of the most developed statewide frameworks for customer-side lead service line assistance, with DNR loan/principal-forgiveness funding and PSC approval rules for utility customer-assistance programs.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- State lead service line page
- Official page →
Official resources in Wisconsin
State program page describing current DNR funding for public and private lead service line replacement and inventory work.
PSC page explaining that utilities may set up customer-side financial assistance programs and linking to approvals and guidance.
State drinking-water page covering Wisconsin’s lead and copper requirements, including service line inventory obligations.
Madison’s public inventory page, including current status and rebate information if a previously unknown lead line is discovered.
Racine’s homeowner page explaining targeted-area and emergency replacement eligibility and linking to utility FAQs.
Key facts for Wisconsin
- Wisconsin DNR says the current BIL-funded LSL Replacement Program funds both public and private lead service line replacements and related inventory work.
- Wisconsin PSC says utilities may set up programs to provide financial assistance for customer-side lead service line replacement.
- Wisconsin DNR says partial replacements are not funded; eligible work must remove all lead components from main to meter or inside connection point.
- Madison’s inventory page says Madison had no known lead service lines as of November 4, 2025.
- Madison says a property owner who discovers a lead service may be eligible for a rebate of up to $3,000.
- Racine says invited homeowners in targeted areas or emergencies can, in most cases, have lead services replaced for free.
Utility help for homeowners in Wisconsin
| Utility | city | program | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee Water Works | Milwaukee | Lead Service Line Replacement Program | For required replacements on 1-4 unit properties using a city-approved contractor, the city pays 2/3 of the average private-side cost and the owner pays 1/3; the public side is paid by the utility. |
| Madison Water Utility | Madison | Lead Service Replacement Program | If a lead water service is discovered, the utility says the owner may be eligible for a rebate covering half the replacement cost, up to $3,000. |
| Racine Water Utility | Racine | Lead Service Line Replacement Program | Racine says homeowners invited in targeted areas or emergencies can usually have lead services replaced for free; its addendum for the private program says the utility pays the plumber the lesser of the contract amount or $2,500, with the homeowner paying costs above that cap. |
What to do next
- Ask your utility whether it has PSC approval for a customer-side lead service line financial-assistance program before you hire a contractor.
- Check your utility’s public lead service line inventory page or map; Wisconsin systems must make inventory information accessible to the public.
- If your line is discovered during a street or water-main project, ask whether your city can pair utility-side and private-side replacement under DNR-funded work.
Helpful guides
- Who pays to replace the private side of a lead service line?
- Lead service line replacement grants, reimbursements and loans
- How to tell if your water service line is lead
- The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements: what homeowners need to know
Lead line cost-share estimator →