Shorewood and Whitefish Bay, two Milwaukee suburbs, have the highest percentage of lead pipes in Wisconsin. Residents were recently notified about the presence of lead pipes in their homes, causing concern about potential health risks. The notification is part of a new EPA rule requiring municipalities to inform residents about lead service lines and replace them over a decade. The cost of replacing lead pipes in these communities is estimated to be around $50 million, with potential future impacts on property taxes or water bills. The timeline for removal has been accelerated to 2037, causing additional concerns about costs and logistics. Residents like Janelle are exploring temporary ways to filter out lead in their drinking water while authorities work on a permanent solution. The issue extends beyond Shorewood and Whitefish Bay, with Wauwatosa also having a significant percentage of lead pipes. The communities are facing challenges in addressing the health risks associated with lead pipes while balancing the financial implications of replacements.
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