Wausau City Hall. MWC photo by Mike Leischner
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — The Wausau City Council approved a lead service line replacement ordinance alongside a proposed funding plan to back it up.
Alder Michael Martens says the ordinance—which requires any private-side connection to the city’s water infrastructure to be made of copper or other non-lead materials—is meant to spur action for the last few properties still hanging on at the end of the program. “It’s that extra bit of teeth, that incentive [to let the property owners know] that you gotta do this,” said Martens. “You really gotta do this so we can get it done.”
It also sets the city up for consideration when outside funding becomes available, as grant or loan programs often require an ordinance to show the city is serious about completing the work.
Alders also voted to approve gap financing for any portion of the work not covered by outside funding sources. This ensures property owners whose lines are replaced at the tail end of the program receive the same financial deal as those who have already had theirs replaced. Martens noted that equity was a major priority for the Council, as some property owners are still waiting for replacements due to logistical delays.
“Either because of scheduling, location, or census tract, we want the program to be fair to everybody, and we want to get the lead out of the city,” said Martens.
Over the past three years, Wausau has replaced more than 3,500 lead service lines, leaving approximately 2,900 left to complete. Project managers with Community Infrastructure Partners estimate the city has saved around $7 million by launching the effort before the EPA’s lead pipe removal mandate took effect, noting that construction and material costs have risen significantly over the last two years.
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