MILWAUKEE – Water utility leaders from Milwaukee, Chicago, and Detroit today highlighted the progress being made in lead service line replacement in their cities and examined what is needed to accelerate the pace of this critical work. Speaking during a webinar hosted by the BlueGreen Alliance, the leaders shared lessons learned and emphasized the public health impacts of lead service line replacement.

“Milwaukee is committed to removing every lead service line in the city,” said Patrick Pauly, Superintendent, Milwaukee Water Works. “Replacing these lines is critical to ensuring safe, reliable water for all residents, and we are focused on making steady, tangible progress.”

There is no safe level of lead in blood. It can impact the brain and nervous system development of babies during pregnancy and has been tied to decreased IQs, diminished academic abilities, and increased attention deficit and behavior issues in children. Lower-income communities often bear a disproportionate brunt of the hazards associated with elevated levels of lead in the blood.

“Funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has been helpful in Chicago to jumpstart lead service line replacement,” said Michael Grillo, Deputy Commissioner, City of Chicago Department of Water Management. “However, it will take increased ongoing federal support to significantly accelerate replacement efforts in Chicago where we have over 400,000 lead lines.”

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, signed in 2021, provided over $15 billion to fund the replacement of lead service lines and other lead remediation activities. This funding is important to improve public health and address inequality. As many as 12.8 million homes around the country get their water through lead pipes and service lines.

“Detroit is proud of the substantial progress we’ve made toward achieving 100% lead service line removal,” said Bryan Peckinpaugh, Public Affairs Director, Detroit Water and Sewerage Department. “This effort reflects our ongoing commitment to safe and clean drinking water for all residents.”

Lead service line replacement programs not only help to keep communities safe and healthy but also create family-sustaining jobs and boost local economies.

“Collaboration between utilities and unions has been key to meeting workforce demands and achieving successful lead service line replacement,” said Richard Diaz, Regional Field Manager for Water Infrastructure, BlueGreen Alliance. “It’s a true example of what we can accomplish when we work together.”