A Lead Pipe Cinch: $630 Million for Milwaukee to Fix Lead Plumbing for Low-Income Residents

AI was used for research, writing, and editing. The author has no affiliation with any companies mentioned.

Milwaukee is accelerating efforts to eliminate lead service lines (LSLs) that have been a hidden hazard for decades. The city’s water utility estimates there are about 65,000 lead service lines still in use, many in low-income neighborhoods, and aims to have them all replaced by 2037 (city.milwaukee.gov).

The Impact: Children at Risk

According to the Wisconsin Department of Health:

” Number of children under age 6 years old poisoned with blood lead levels of ≥5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL). Note: The CDC now uses a reference value of ≥3.5 µg/dL; however, no safe blood lead level in children has been identified.”

Lead exposure, even at low levels, can harm brain development, lower IQ, and cause behavioral issues in children.

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