Welcome to the EquiFlow Lead-Free Program Resources page, your hub for health, safety, and educational information about lead in water and the importance of lead service line (LSL) replacement. This program’s mission is to help ensure Wausau's drinking water is free from lead, providing safer water for every household.
A water service line is the pipe that connects the main water line from the street to your home’s water meter. It consists of two parts: the city-owned portion (from the main line to the curb stop) and the homeowner-owned section (from the curb stop to the meter). Older service lines, particularly those installed before the 1950s, may contain lead, posing health risks. Through the EquiFlow Program, eligible homeowners can benefit from a replacement, which improves both water safety and property value.
Lead is a naturally occurring metal that can be toxic, especially at high exposure levels. Historically, lead was widely used in household materials such as paint and water pipes. While Wausau’s water supply is lead-free, lead can leach into drinking water from lead-containing fixtures and service lines within homes, particularly in homes built before 1951 and, in some cases, through the 1970s.
Lead exposure, even at low levels, is linked to a range of health issues, particularly in young children, pregnant women, and vulnerable adults. Key risks include:
No safe level of lead has been established, and the EPA’s goal for lead in drinking water is zero.
To learn more, click below for resources from trusted organizations:
If your home has lead pipes, consider the following steps to reduce exposure:
Use a lead-certified water filter for drinking, cooking, and baby formula.
Run cold water for five minutes before use if water has been stagnant.
Regularly clean faucet aerators to reduce debris buildup. Click here to view step-by-step instructions.
Replace older faucets with lead-free models, especially those installed before 2014.
Want to understand the replacement process and how it will impact your home? Click here to learn more about what to expect during the lead service line replacement and how it will improve your water safety.
For additional questions, please contact us via our form, and our team will assist you promptly.
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