Lead service lines in Oshkosh, WI
If you're wondering whether lead pipes bring drinking water into your home, you're asking the right question. Lead service lines—the pipes that connect the water main under the street to your house—can leach lead into your water, especially if the water is corrosive. This page shows what we know about lead service lines in Oshkosh.
What we know about Oshkosh's water systems
Oshkosh is served by 54 public water systems. The largest is Oshkosh Waterworks, which serves roughly 63,000 people. Four smaller systems serve the remaining population of about 6,500.
Current lead inventory data: The water systems serving Oshkosh have not yet reported confirmed counts of lead service lines to the state. This doesn't mean there are no lead pipes—it means the data either hasn't been collected, tested, or made public yet. Federal rules now require water systems to inventory lead and galvanized service lines by 2026.
Why this matters
Lead service lines pose a real health risk, particularly to young children and pregnant people. Even "low" lead levels can affect childhood development. If you have a lead service line, water treatment and household filters can reduce (but not eliminate) lead in your tap water.
Finding out about your home
Your water utility can tell you whether your home is served by a lead line. Contact information is listed below for the major systems. Have your street address ready when you call.
Oshkosh Waterworks (serves ~63,000 people) [Find contact details on your water bill or the utility's website]
Algoma Township Sanitary District 1 (serves ~3,935 people) [Find contact details on your water bill or the utility's website]
Smaller systems including Lakeside Elementary School, Jim's County Line, and Oshkosh Country Club Clubhouse also serve parts of the area.
What you can do now
If your utility doesn't have lead service line information readily available, ask them directly. Many utilities have started inventories and can tell you based on your address, property records, or age of the home. Homes built before 1950 are more likely to have lead or galvanized service lines.
Next steps for residents
- Call your water utility with your street address and ask whether your service line is lead, galvanized, or unknown
- Request a free or low-cost water test if you're concerned; ask if your utility offers this
- Check your home's age and records; pre-1950 construction increases the likelihood of lead pipes
- Visit the EPA's lead and copper rule page for treatment and filter information if you do have a lead line
```json [ { "q": "Does Oshkosh have lead in the water?", "a": "Lead in water typically comes from service lines and household plumbing, not the treatment plant itself. Oshkosh's water systems have not yet publicly reported confirmed counts of lead service lines. Contact your utility directly with your address to learn about your home's pipes." }, { "q": "How do I know if my house has a lead service line?", "a": "Call Oshkosh Waterworks or your local water utility with your street address. They can check property records or their inventory. Homes built before 1950 are more likely to have lead pipes. A water test can also detect lead levels in your tap water." }, { "q": "Is lead in water dangerous for kids?", "a": "Yes—lead can harm childhood development even at low levels. If you're concerned about lead exposure, talk to your pediatrician or contact the CDC. A free water test from your utility is a good first step." }, { "q": "What should I do if I have a lead service line?", "a": "Ask your utility about