APPLETON WATERWORKS Lead Service Line Inventory
Appleton Waterworks serves about 74,500 people in Wisconsin. Like all US water systems, it is required by federal law to inventory lead service lines—the pipes that connect homes to the main water line—and share that information with the public.
What you need to know
Lead service lines are a real concern, but they're also fixable. Lead leaches into water primarily when water sits in pipes overnight or when the water chemistry is aggressive. If your home was built before the 1980s, there's a meaningful chance your service line contains lead.
Appleton Waterworks has not yet published a complete lead service line inventory. This means the utility hasn't finished documenting which homes have lead pipes, which have other materials, and which are unknown. You can contact the utility directly to ask about your specific address—they may have partial records or testing data even if the full inventory isn't public yet.
Why this matters
Lead exposure carries real health risks, especially for young children and pregnant people. Even "low" levels can affect development. The EPA and CDC both recommend testing your water if you're concerned, and taking steps to reduce exposure while service line replacement happens.
Your next steps
Contact Appleton Waterworks to:
- Ask if your address has a lead service line
- Request a free or low-cost water test if available
- Inquire about replacement programs or timelines
In the meantime, you can reduce lead exposure by running water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking, using cold water for food and drinks (hot water leaches lead faster), and cleaning aerators on faucets regularly.
If anyone in your home shows signs of lead exposure, talk to your doctor or pediatrician. The CDC has resources on lead health effects if you want to learn more.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Contact Appleton Waterworks directly with your address—they maintain records even if the full inventory isn't published yet. You can also have your water tested for lead; if levels are elevated, a lead service line is a likely culprit.
Is lead in water pipes dangerous?
Lead is a serious health hazard, especially for children and pregnant people. It can affect brain development and learning. Talk to your pediatrician or visit the CDC website for specific health questions.
Can I remove lead from my water myself?
Some filters (NSF-certified for lead removal) can reduce lead in drinking and cooking water while you wait for your service line to be replaced. Boiling water does not remove lead. Ask your water utility about low-cost testing and filter options.
When will Appleton Waterworks replace lead service lines?
Contact the utility directly to ask about their replacement timeline and whether you qualify for assistance programs. Federal funding is now available to help communities replace lead service lines faster.