Madison Water Utility

Taking a truly One Water approach, Madison, Wisconsin, implemented the nation’s first city-wide lead service line replacement program to comply with drinking water standards. By avoiding the need for ongoing treatment, as of 2018, this program already saved Madison approximately $2.5 million in costs. Click the link below to download the full case study.

Project at a Glance

Utility Overview

Utility: Madison Water Utility
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Population served: 250,000
Service area: 100 square miles

Challenges

Elevated levels of lead in drinking water
Need for innovative way to meet the requirements of the Lead and Copper Rule

Solution

A comprehensive Lead Line Replacement Program that mandated all lead service lines, both on public and private property, in Madison are replaced over a 10-year period.

Costs and Funding Sources

Total program cost: ~$15.5 million
- Reimbursements Replacement Cost (Private lead lines): ~$3.8 million
- Replacement Cost (Public lead lines): ~$9.6 million
Funding sources:
- Antenna rental revenues: Used for replacements on private property
- Capital improvement budget: $1-1.5 million annually between 2000 and 2006 used for utility-side lead service replacements (approximately 15% of overall annual capital budget); less than $100,000 annually after 2006