Current Water Utility Infrastructure Projects

2025 South Milwaukee Lead Service Line (LSL) Replacement Program

The City of South Milwaukee began the process of replacing approximately 1,708 known lead service lines in 2024.  

In the City of South Milwaukee, the South Milwaukee Water Utility owns the portion of the service line from the water main to the curb stop box.  The property owner is responsible for the service line from the curb stop box to the house.  (See the illustration below.)

Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups.  Infants and children may experience decreases in IQ and attention span.  Lead exposure can cause new learning and behavior problems, or worsen existing ones.  Children born to women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy may also face increased risks of these negative effects.   Adults may have an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and problems with the kidneys or nervous system. 

To aid property owners in replacing their lead service line (LSL), the South Milwaukee Water Utility has been applying for funding through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' Safe Drinking Water Loan Program (SDWLP) since 2024.

In 2025, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) awarded the South Milwaukee Water Utility up to $3,514,099 in the form of a low-interest loan to finance the public-side service line replacement costs.  The loan carries a 2.2% interest rate and has a 20-year term.  

Additionally, the Wisconsin DNR awarded the City of South Milwaukee up to $1,914,108 in grant funding toward the replacement of private-side LSLs.   These grants cover either 50% or 75% of the total private-side replacement costs, depending on the property's census tract location.  The DNR also awarded $1,032,890 in loan funding at a 0.25% interest rate to cover the remaining costs not covered by grants.    These loans are administered by the City of South Milwaukee and may be added to the property tax bill over a 10-year term. 

2025 Transmission Line Replacement Project

In 2025, the South Milwaukee Water Utility received funding through the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program (SDWLP) from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to cover the cost of a transmission line replacement project. 

This project involves replacing approximately 5,000 feet of 20-inch transmission line that runs from the South Milwaukee Water Utility west through Grant Park to Michigan Avenue, and continues west to 11^th Avenue. 

Additionally, 3,400 feet of distribution water main will be replaced on Michigan Avenue, between 11^th Avenue and the dead-end east of 3^rd Avenue. 

The South Milwaukee Water Utility was awarded up to $4,922,006 in the form of a low- interest loan from the DNR. The loan carries a 2.2% interest rate with a 20-year term.