What Can Milwaukee Learn From Madison’s Lead Pipe Removal? | WUWM 89.7 FM

When the lead-copper rule was first enacted in 1991, the permissible quantities of these metals contained in drinking water were limited at the federal level. The cities started testing their water. Researchers experimented with chemicals that could inhibit corrosion of pipes – the main source of contamination.

But for some cities like Madison, Wisconsin, that just wasn’t enough.

“”[The Lead and Copper Rule] has a fundamental flaw, and that is: it is too simple. It doesn’t take into account the multiple factors that cause lead and copper to leave piping materials and get into drinking water, “said Abigail Cantor, president of Process Research Solutions, a Madison-based consultancy specializing in drinking water quality.

“”[The Lead and Copper Rule] has a fundamental flaw, and that means: it is too simple. ”

After extensive testing, Cantor found that Madison’s water could not be fully controlled without removing the lead pipes. In 2001 the city took an unusual step: they removed the pipes.

Almost two decades later, Milwaukee still has lead pipes. But why?

According to Cantor, the first step in removing lead from a water system is to remove lead service lines. It’s easier said than done. There are political and economic barriers to pipe removal. The lead-copper rule is also challenging.

“It is said that a utility has to change the water with a chemical to control the lead before removing lead service lines. A chemical treatment has to be applied and tried and failed,” explains Cantor.

Meanwhile, residents may have been bogged down with lead-contaminated water. Madison had to jump through some bureaucratic hoops to bypass regulation.

The city also dealt with around 8,000 lead pipes. A poor number compared to Milwaukee’s premier service lines.

“Milwaukee has 77,000 lead service lines … Lead service line removal and replacement is similar to Madison, but much larger.”

“Milwaukee has 77,000 lead service lines … Lead service line removal and replacement is similar to Madison, but much larger. It will take a lot longer to get to each building, and people need to trust what they are drink in the meantime, “she says.

Still, Cantor sees a way forward for Milwaukee. Most of their advice goes to the City of Milwaukee Water Works, which has to remove lead pipes and flush water pipes, among other things. But she says more needs to be done. “You have to start there, but you can’t stop there,” she warns.

What Cantor says you can do

  • Managers and owners of large buildings: Routine flushing of cold and hot water pipes, routine blow-off of hot water tanks, reduction of the water retention time in the pipes / tanks and special attention to cleaning treatment tanks such as water softeners.
  • Residents: Do not drink stagnant water, discolored water, or water with an unusual odor (outside of the chlorine smell). Contact the water company and other public groups for help with a full lead service line replacement.
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