Lead Water Service Lateral Replacement Program

As part of the approved 2021 Village Budget, the Village of Menomonee Falls will be proceeding with a project to replace existing private lead water service laterals with new water service laterals in an effort to reduce the potential health hazards associated with lead water service piping. The water service lateral is the pipe that provides water from the water main in the street to a home or business (see diagram). The program will fund the complete replacement of private lead laterals for all residential (including multi-family and mixed-use properties), Pre-K-12 schools, and licensed daycare center properties. The program will also fund any restoration work associated with the replacement construction at no cost to the property owner.

The Village has retained the consulting firm, RA Smith, to assist with the management of this important project. If you are unsure or suspect you have a lead water service lateral, or would like more information on the Village’s Lead Water Service Lateral Replacement Program, please contact Brian Gresky, Project Manager with RA Smith at 262-901-2234 (brian.gresky@rasmith.com).

For the project to be successful, a high level of participation amongst property owners who have lead water service laterals is needed. The Village has successfully obtained state grant funding for the private portion of this work so all private lead water service laterals will be replaced under this project. Any costs associated with lead water service lateral replacement work will be borne by the Village and by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), using funds specifically allocated for private lead water service lateral replacement work.

As a reminder, your water meets all federal guidelines for safety, and the Village of Menomonee Falls will ensure it remains that way. Lead can enter the water as a result of the wearing a way of materials containing lead in service lines or internal plumbing. Fewer than 2% of Menomonee Falls Water Utility service lines are made of lead, but as long as lead water service piping is left in place, the potential for lead exposure will remain.

If you would like your water service lateral inspected, contact Brian Gresky, Project Manager with RA Smith at 262-901-2234 (brian.gresky@rasmith.com). Please be aware that this no cost lead water service lateral replacement opportunity will only be available through the Village as part of this specific project.

FAQs

Will there be any special assessments for this Village project?

No, all project work is funded by the Village and by the WDNR Private Lead Service Line Replacement Program.

When will the project work occur?

Project work will be scheduled after signed Right of Entry forms are received by the Village. The lead service line replacement work is planned to occur during the 2021 construction season (approx. May-November).

How long will the Lead Water Service Replacement work take?

The lead service line replacement work at each property will be completed in approximately one working day. Removing the existing lead service line to your home will take about 2-4 hours. The installation of the new water service lateral will take another 2-4 hours. However, water service to your home may be periodically interrupted for approximately one to two weeks, while other private and/or public lead laterals are replaced in your area. Every effort will be made to minimize disruption of water service to your property.

Will I have access to my property during project work?

Yes. Access to your property will be maintained during the water service lateral installation process. Access may be temporarily impacted if your water service lateral to be replaced is located under a driveway or walkway.

If I have a question or problem during the project who should I contact?

The notice that you will receive prior to the start of construction on the project will have the name and contact information for the Village’s consulting engineering representative from RA Smith assigned tothe project.

If I am a renter can I sign the form?

No, the signed form must be completed by the property owner.

How do I know if I have a lead service?

The Village has records of certain properties with lead water service laterals. If you have questions about your water service lateral, you can contact Brian Gresky, Project Manager with RA Smith at 262-901-2234 (brian.gresky@rasmith.com).

What if I have landscaping or I have a finished basement where my water service enters my home?

The contractor will be required to restore landscaping and any basement improvements damaged during construction to a condition which resembles, as close as possible, the condition that existed prior to beginning of the lead water service lateral replacement work.