Wausau to hold discussion on lead service line replacement ordinance on Aug. 19

Wausau Pilot & Review

City leaders in Wausau on Aug. 19 will hold a discussion on a proposed lead service line replacement ordinance, according to a news release issued by the city on Tuesday.

The announcement to hold a Committee of the Whole meeting to discuss the ordinance comes three weeks after the City Council vowed not to charge residents for replacement of lines. Lead pipes that carry water into homes and business establishments are considered toxic and can present significant health hazards.

The draft of the LSL replacement ordinance is available and can be viewed here.

During a July 9 City Council meeting, some alders said they received questions and concerns from their constituents about the language that would require water utility customers pay for the private side of replacement, typically the water conduit pipe that runs from the water meter to the curb stop.

Some alders said constituents are alarmed by the news that they could be required to pay for lead service line replacement after being promised last year that the program would be free. Some residents also sharply criticized the language of the ordinance during the council meeting three weeks ago. City officials have said the ordinance is not mandatory, but is preferred by some federal agencies with regard to funding applications.

Residents can attend the COW meeting and offer comments if they choose to do so. Participate by completing the Citizens Right to Address Council form and submit it to the city clerk before the meeting starts. Residents can also provide comments ahead of the meeting through the following email: [email protected]. In the subject line of the email, they need to mention “LSL Ordinance Public Comment.”

The Aug. 9 COW meeting will be held at the City Hall at 407 Grant St. at 6:45 p.m. Those wishing to watch the meeting remotely have the option to do so via the public access Video On Demand links.