EAU CLAIRE WATERWORKS Lead Service Line Inventory

What is a lead service line?

A lead service line is the pipe that connects your home's water line to the main water line under the street. If your home was built before the 1980s, there's a chance your service line contains lead—a toxic metal that can leach into drinking water, especially in homes with acidic water or stagnant pipes.

What we know about Eau Claire Waterworks

Eau Claire Waterworks serves approximately 70,587 people in Wisconsin. The utility draws water from groundwater sources.

Current inventory status: The utility has not yet completed a full lead service line inventory. This is common—Wisconsin utilities are still in the early phases of mapping their service lines, as required under the federal Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR).

Why this matters

Lead exposure has no safe level, especially for children and pregnant people. Even low levels can affect child development. If you live in an older home served by Eau Claire Waterworks, it's worth understanding your risk and taking simple protective steps now.

What you can do right now

Get your water tested. Contact Eau Claire Waterworks directly and ask them to test your tap water for lead, or request a free or low-cost test through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Results take 1–2 weeks.

Use cold water for drinking and cooking. Hot water dissolves lead faster. If your tap has been off for 6+ hours, run it for 30 seconds before filling a glass.

Ask your utility about your service line. Call Eau Claire Waterworks and ask whether your property has a lead, copper, or galvanized service line on file. Not all utilities have complete records yet, but it's worth asking.

Don't wait for replacement. Even if your line is lead, it takes years to replace the entire system. Flushing and testing are protective steps you can take immediately.

Next steps for residents

• Contact Eau Claire Waterworks directly to request a water quality test for lead at your tap.
• Ask the utility whether they have records of your service line material.
• Flush your tap with cold water for 30 seconds if it hasn't been used in 6+ hours.
• Visit the CDC's lead in water webpage for health information or talk to your pediatrician about lead testing.

```json [ { "q": "How do I know if my home has a lead service line?", "a": "Contact Eau Claire Waterworks and ask whether they have records of your service line. You can also have a plumber inspect it visually—lead is soft and gray, while copper is reddish and steel is silver. A water test for lead at your tap is another way to assess risk." }, { "q": "Is the water in Eau Claire safe to drink?", "a": "Eau Claire Waterworks monitors water quality regularly. However, safety depends partly on your home's pipes. If your service line or internal plumbing contains lead, the water may pick up lead between the main and your tap. Testing your own tap water is the best way to know." }, { "q": "When will Eau Claire replace lead service lines?", "a": "The utility is still developing its full inventory and replacement plan. Wisconsin utilities are working under federal timelines to identify and plan replacements, but the process typically spans many years. Ask Eau Claire Waterworks directly about their timeline and any replacement programs you may qualify for." }, { "q": "Can I replace my service line myself?", "a": "No—service lines are typically owned and maintained by the water utility or a shared responsibility. Contact Eau Claire Waterworks to learn who owns the line and what replacement options or assistance programs exist in your area." }