Apply equity-based prioritization
Milwaukee’s prioritization plan ranks census block groups using lead service line density, elevated blood lead levels and the Area Deprivation Index to guide replacements
Markets
Priorities
Advancing an equity-driven lead service line program
Milwaukee is advancing one of the nation’s largest lead service line replacement programs through an equity-driven, data-driven approach. A weighted scoring system reflecting neighborhood deprivation, childhood lead exposure and lead pipe density guides where work begins. With BIL funding, MWW has accelerated replacements, while CDM Smith supports program management, public outreach and coordinated construction planning to increase annual progress and prioritize communities with the greatest health risk.
Expand replacements with federal funding
BIL funding supports thousands of annual replacements, including $30 million awarded in 2024 to replace about 3,400 lines
Community-centered delivery model
Milwaukee holds open houses, mails consent packets and coordinates closely with residents. Work typically begins once about 70 percent of households return consent forms, and each property’s replacement is completed in about one day to minimize disruption
Local jobs and economic uplift
Milwaukee is advancing workforce goals with a 1-to-1 journeyman-to-apprentice ratio and requirements that 40 percent of project labor come from economically distressed ZIP codes, creating job opportunities where environmental risks have been highest
Milwaukee’s Lead Service Line Replacement Program (LSLRP) is among the largest drinking water safety efforts in the United States. With about 65,000 lead service lines still in place, the city is accelerating progress through a mix of required replacements, voluntary participation and an Equity Prioritization Plan that scores each census block group using deprivation, childhood blood lead levels and lead pipe density. Annual replacement rates are rising from 2,700 lines in 2024 to a planned 5,000 in 2026, supported by significant federal investment, including $30 million from BIL funds. MWW hosts open houses to explain schedules and the consent process. Alongside infrastructure improvements, the city emphasizes economic inclusion by requiring local hiring and apprenticeship participation so program benefits reach the communities most affected by lead exposure.
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