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