Chippewa Falls Officials Making Plans to Replace More Lead Pipes

Chippewa Falls officials are planning to replace more lead or galvanized pipes that sit on private property.

Replacing lead service pipes has become a major project across Wisconsin due to the health issues they can cause. Like most other municipalities, the City of Chippewa Falls will receive grant funding to help with the replacements.

According to a WEAU report, the city has already replaced most of the public lead or galvanized service pipes. Thanks to an over $1 million grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, officials can begin targeting the pipes that reside on private property. According to the report, there are about 900 galvanized connection pipes in the city with about 290 residents who qualify to take part in the program.

Currently, there is no requirement to replace the pipes that run on some private properties in the city. Officials say that the requirement could change in the future, so now is a good time to work on the problem with the grant funding. Replacing the pipes would also increase the quality of the drinking water in the area.

Chippewa Falls residents who think they may have lead or galvanized pipes on their property should contact the city to confirm. The Board of Public Works also plans to meet on Monday, and will have forms for residents who want to apply for the program.

Lead service pipes can pose significant health risks, particularly in children and pregnant women. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, lead exposure can cause nervous system damage, learning disabilities, impaired hearing, and shorter stature in children.