MADISON WATER UTILITY Lead Service Line Inventory
Madison Water Utility serves approximately 272,000 people in Wisconsin. Like all US water systems, it is required by the EPA to maintain an inventory of lead service lines (LSLs)—the pipes that carry water from the public water main into homes.
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is a water pipe made partly or entirely of lead. These pipes can leach lead into drinking water, especially in homes with acidic water or where water sits in pipes overnight. Lead service lines were commonly installed before the 1980s, when the health risks became widely understood.
Madison Water Utility's inventory status
Madison Water Utility has not yet inventoried its lead service lines. This does not mean the utility has no lead pipes—rather, the inventory work is still underway or pending. The EPA requires all water systems to complete a full LSL inventory by October 2024.
To find out the current status and view any available data, contact Madison Water Utility directly or visit their website for lead and copper rule compliance documents.
Why this matters
Even small amounts of lead in drinking water can affect health, especially for children and pregnant people. The CDC recommends testing your home's water if you live in an older building (pre-1986) or are concerned about lead exposure. A water test costs $20–50 and takes a few days for results.
What you can do now
- Test your water. Contact Madison Water Utility or a certified lab to arrange a lead test.
- Check your home's age and pipe materials. If your house was built before the mid-1980s, lead service lines are more likely.
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking. Run cold water for 30 seconds before filling a glass, especially if water has sat in pipes overnight.
- Request your utility's inventory. Once Madison Water Utility completes its LSL inventory, you can ask whether your address is listed.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Madison Water Utility at their customer service line to ask about lead service line inventory progress and request a water test.
- If you have young children or are pregnant, discuss water testing with your pediatrician or doctor.
- Learn more about lead in drinking water at the EPA's "Lead and Your Drinking Water" page or the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website.
- Consider installing a NSF-certified lead filter if you're waiting for test results or live in an older building.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Madison Water Utility have lead pipes?
Madison Water Utility has not yet completed its lead service line inventory. Completion is required by October 2024. Contact the utility to ask for the current status and any available data about your address.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Homes built before the mid-1980s are more likely to have lead pipes. You can visually check the water line where it enters your home (lead is soft and dull gray) or contact the utility for records. A water test is the most reliable way to detect lead.
Is it safe to drink water from a lead service line?
Lead can leach into drinking water, especially in acidic water systems. The EPA has set legal limits for lead in water, but no level is considered completely safe. Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking and consider testing your water.
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line?
Costs vary widely, but full replacement typically ranges from $3,000 to $25,000 depending on property size and soil conditions. Some utilities offer cost-sharing or grant programs. Contact Madison Water Utility to ask about available assistance.