Manitowoc and Two Rivers have been named two of forty-two Wisconsin communities receiving funds for the replacement of lead service lines in homes, daycare facilities and schools. Two Rivers was awarded $800 thousand ($500 thousand this year and $300 thousand for 2017) while Manitowoc was given $650 thousand ($350 thousand for last year and $300 thousand this year through a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources funding program. Lead has been linked to many health-related issues especially in children under the age of 5, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems. There is an estimated 215 lead service lines in Manitowoc constructed before 1950 that Mayor Justin Nickels says are being gradually replaced. He says entire water lateral service lines in the city are owned by the property owner. However—
Nickels says the city’s drinking water isn’t or has yet to be compromised.
Homeowners are required to replace those lines from curb-stop to the home when MPU is replacing the “street-portion” of a water-main project. Costs can run into the thousands of dollars. Manitowoc Public Utilities is working on a low-interest loan program to assist homeowners with the costs. Call 686-4378 with any questions or concerns. In Two Rivers call 793-
5545.