Lead Service Lines in North Shore Water Commission
North Shore Water Commission serves about 35,598 people in Wisconsin. If you're looking for information about lead service lines in your area—whether you own a home here or are considering a move—this page explains what we know and what comes next.
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is the pipe that connects your home to the water main under the street. If your home was built before the 1980s, there's a real chance your service line contains lead. When water sits in lead pipes overnight or for hours, lead can leach into your drinking water.
Lead exposure, especially for children and pregnant people, carries documented health risks. The CDC recommends testing your tap water if you're concerned.
What North Shore Water Commission has reported
As of now, North Shore Water Commission has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in its system. This means we don't have confirmed numbers on how many homes may be affected.
Federal law (the Lead and Copper Rule) requires all US water utilities to identify and replace lead service lines, with deadlines tied to system size and funding. The timeline for North Shore Water Commission's work depends on state and federal priorities, available funding, and local water main replacement schedules.
What you should do now
Test your water. This is the most direct way to know if lead is present in your home's drinking water. Lead can come from service lines, but also from fixtures, solder, and older plumbing inside your house. A simple test costs $20–50 and takes about a week for results.
Contact your utility. Call North Shore Water Commission and ask:
- Whether your address is on a known or suspected lead service line
- What the utility's timeline is for replacing service lines
- Whether you qualify for any financial assistance
Know your building age. Homes built before 1980 are more likely to have lead pipes. If you rent, ask your landlord about the service line material.
Next steps for residents
- Test your tap water through a certified lab (your utility can recommend one, or check your state health department's website)
- Contact North Shore Water Commission to ask about your specific address and any replacement programs
- Use a point-of-use filter certified for lead (NSF/ANSI 53) as a temporary step while waiting for service line replacement
- Call your pediatrician or the CDC (1-800-CDC-INFO) if you have health concerns
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does North Shore Water Commission have lead service lines?
North Shore Water Commission has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines, so we don't have confirmed numbers. Contact the utility directly to ask about your address.
How do I know if my home has a lead service line?
Ask your utility, check your home inspection report, or look at the pipe where it enters your house (lead is soft, gray, and dents easily). The most reliable answer comes from North Shore Water Commission's records.
Is lead in tap water dangerous?
Yes—lead exposure can harm children's development and poses risks to pregnant people. The CDC recommends testing your water if you're concerned and using a certified filter as a precaution.
When will North Shore Water Commission replace lead service lines?
The utility's timeline depends on federal law, available funding, and local infrastructure plans. Contact them directly for their replacement schedule and whether you're eligible for financial assistance.