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Amending Sections 13.18 and 1.08(3)(a) of the Madison General Ordinances to update the Lead Water Line Replacement Language
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends amending Sections 13.18 and 1.08(3)(a) of the Madison General Ordinances to update the Lead Water Line Replacement Ordinance so that it is consistent with the recent updates to the Federal Lead and Copper Rule.
BACKGROUND
Recently updated requirements to the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (“EPA”) 2020 Lead and Copper Rule Revisions and 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Improvements are applicable to the City of Madison and are expected to also eventually be incorporated into Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) administrative regulations.
Under these updated EPA requirements, the City is required to inventory all water service lines within its service territory, including certain galvanized service lines that are or were downstream of lead service lines or lead status unknown service lines. Any remaining lead or these certain galvanized services will need to be replaced. When the City conducted its extensive replacement of utility-side lead service lines between 2000 and 2011, such galvanized lines were not identified or replaced, as that was not required at the time.
The proposed resolution amends Sections 13.18 and 1.08(3)(a) of the Madison General Ordinances, to update the Lead Water Line Replacement Ordinance so that it is consistent with the recent updates to the Federal Lead and Copper Rule and ensures that the City remains in compliance with EPA requirements.
FISCAL IMPACTS
Under the amended ordinance, the Water Utility may, contingent upon availability of funding, administer a lead service replacement reimbursement program. Under this program, if eligible water lines are replaced after January 1, 2026 and in compliance with all the provisions of the revised ordinance, the Water Utility may reimburse eligible costs not ot exceed fifty percent (50%) of the cost of replacement, up to a maximum of $3,000 for each service line replaced.
At this time, estimated replacement costs and potential reimbursements are unknown. The Water Utility will monitor replacements and reimbursement costs and, if needed, submit changes for their 2027 Operating Budget request or complete a budget amendment to provide funding for reimbursements.
LEGISLATIVE PATH
1. Common Council (Intro): 1/13/2026
2. Water Utility Board: 1/28/2026
3. Common Council (Final): 2/10/2026
ATTACHMENTS
• Memo (this document)
• Legistar File No. 90990 Body (drafted ordinance amendments)