OSHKOSH WATERWORKS Lead Service Line Inventory

Oshkosh Waterworks serves approximately 63,000 people in Wisconsin. Like many older water systems across the US, it may have lead service lines—the pipes that connect the public water main to individual homes. These lines were legal to install until 1986 and can leach lead into drinking water.

What we know about Oshkosh Waterworks

Oshkosh Waterworks draws water from a surface source (a lake or river). The utility has not yet completed a public inventory of its lead service lines, which means the exact number of homes affected is not currently available.

Federal law requires all water systems to identify and inventory lead service lines by 2026, though many systems are moving faster. Until Oshkosh completes and publishes its inventory, you won't know from the utility's official data whether your home has a lead service line.

How to find out if your home is affected

Your best immediate steps:

• Contact Oshkosh Waterworks directly. Call or email the utility and ask if your specific address has a known or suspected lead service line. Many utilities keep records even before publishing a full inventory.
• Check your home's age and records. Homes built before 1950 are more likely to have lead service lines. Older construction documents, previous inspection reports, or renovation history may mention the service line material.
• Look at the pipe where it enters your home. If you can see the water line in your basement, crawlspace, or yard, a dull gray color with a soft, easily-scratched surface suggests lead. Copper is reddish-brown and shiny. Steel is magnetic. Lead is neither magnetic nor shiny, but this visual check is not definitive.

Reducing exposure right now

If you suspect or know you have a lead service line:

• Use cold water for drinking and cooking. Hot water dissolves lead faster than cold.
• Let water run for 30 seconds to 2 minutes each morning or after the line has been still for hours. This flushes out stagnant water that may have picked up lead overnight.
• Consider a water filter certified for lead removal (look for NSF/ANSI Standard 53).

Lead exposure is a serious health concern, especially for children and pregnant people. If you have health concerns, talk to your doctor or contact the CDC.

Next steps for residents

• Contact Oshkosh Waterworks to ask about your service line and the timeline for publishing the full inventory.
• Request any available records about your home's water service line.
• If you have young children or are pregnant, discuss testing and mitigation with your pediatrician.

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