1-24-18 lead pipe replacement bill

The state Senate has put the finishing touches on a bill designed to help Wisconsin homeowners cover the cost of replacing lead pipes.  Fond du lac Public Works director Jordan Skiff  says the measure would not have an immediate impact on Fond du Lac.  Skiff says Fond du Lac has already been able to secure Safe Drinking Water loan money.   Skiff says under the bill a municipality would have to approve a resolution asking the Public Service Commission for permission to use ratepayer dollars to help replace private lead service lines.    The bill  would allow public water utilities and local  governments to provide grants, loans or both to property owners to help them replace portions of lead water pipes running from the house to the street.  The bill allows for up to a half of the cost to be covered.