42 Wisconsin communities to get $26 million to replace lead water lines

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More than $26 million will be given to 42 communities in Wisconsin to replace lead water lines at homes, schools and day care facilities, Gov. Scott Walker announced Wednesday.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources started the funding program in 2016 after a decision by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to allow the state greater flexibility in allocating loan funds for water infrastructure projects, officials said in the release.

Municipalities in south central Wisconsin:

Baraboo

Columbus

Janesville

Jefferson

Lake Mills

Markesan

Monroe

Platteville

Waterloo

The replacements will be done in conjunction with the city’s annual street construction projects, according to the release.

Property owners are typically responsible for these older and aging lines that deliver drinking water from the municipalities main line to homes, schools and day cares, officials said. They would also usually have to pay full price for removing the lines, but this funding will help lift some of that financial burden from the property owners.

Municipalities will determine how to distribute the funds.

A full list of municipalities and the amount they have received can be found online.

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