Milwaukee lead service line replacement
Short answer
Since Jan 4, 2024, owners of 1–4 unit residential properties with no commercial use pay nothing when Milwaukee Water Works requires replacement. Owners not yet scheduled can apply to the Owner Request Program (200 properties a year) and pay the lesser of actual cost or the five-year average private-side cost, listed as $3,454.
- Official sources
- Last checked:
- Free, no sign-up
.jpg){kind=link}
| Utility | Milwaukee Water Works |
|---|---|
| Program | Lead service line replacement (prioritized program + Owner Request Program) |
| Type | Free (in program) / owner-paid option |
| Phone | 414-286-6304 (Owner Request Program) |
| Official page | city.milwaukee.gov/water/WaterQuality/LeadandWater/LSLR-Owne... |
Who qualifies
- Prioritized program: 1–4 unit residential, no commercial use: no cost when replacement is required
- Owner Request Program: 1–4 unit residential, no commercial use; 200 properties selected per year
- Commercial properties share the private-side cost
How to apply
- Check your address with Milwaukee Water Works
- If in a planned project, return the two consent forms in your letter
- To go sooner, apply online to the Owner Request Program
- If selected, return documents within 10 business days
- Pay the invoice within 45 days or over 15 years as a special assessment (prime + 1%)
Good to know
Both Milwaukee Water Works pages now list the five-year average private-side cost as $3,454 (rechecked Oct 15, 2026).
More official links: Milwaukee Water Works: Lead Pipes
“There have been challenges gaining consent from property owners throughout the program.”
Your next steps, in order
Disclosure: Some links below are affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Plumber quotes are a referral service that is free to you, paid by providers, and your details are shared with them. We always show free programs first. Read our full disclosure.
1. Use the free or low-cost program first
Many utilities replace lines at no cost or offer no-interest loans.
Go to the official program2. Test your water
Some cities test free (Chicago: call 311). Otherwise a certified-lab mail-in kit is an option.
Tap Score test kit (affiliate link, placeholder)3. While you wait, consider a certified filter
Look for NSF/ANSI 53 certification for lead reduction.
NSF/ANSI 53 filters on Amazon (affiliate, placeholder)If the free program covers your line, you’re done. You don’t need step 4.
4. Not eligible or can’t wait? Compare plumbers
Before hiring, ask your utility whether you need pre-approval so you don’t lose program help.
Plumber quotes (referral, coming soon)
Get deadline alerts for your city
Lead Pipe Alerts: we email only when a real date or program changes for your city or state, plus one monthly roundup. No texts.