City of Viroqua Lead Service Lateral Grant
Viroqua Utilities is proud to announce The City of Viroqua has been awarded $202,500 of principal forgiveness funds for the private Lead Service Lateral (LSL) Replacement Funding Program. This means that if your property has a galvanized water service and is a residence or childcare facility, you are eligible to apply. This grant program provides full funding for private side water services. Private side water services are the water pipe that starts at curb stop, near the property line, and goes into the building, ending at the water meter. We encourage you to apply early as all work must be finished by October 31, 2022.
**** You must FIRST be approved from the city and follow a specific protocol to receive the grant. ****
Galvanized water lines were historically connected to the watermain by a lead gooseneck, a two-foot section of flexible pipe. Through time, any lead that may have leached from these goosenecks could have attached to the surface of galvanized pipes through the mechanisms of corrosion. The risk of lead exposure is reduced the longer the gooseneck was removed i.e. 30 years ago versus 5 years ago. However, most of the galvanized pipe in the city is at the end of its lifespan and breakdown of galvanized pipe is a concern, potentially increasing the risk again.
You can tell if you have a galvanized private side water service by looking at the pipe between your water meter and where it exits your property. If the line is brownish/copper in color, it is copper pipe. If it is not metal (often blue), then you have a plastic water service. If it is silver in color, then it is likely galvanized. For information to determine the material of your water service click this link. Removal of internal building plumbing is not a part of this grant. However, it is important to observe the material of the water pipe that goes from your meter into your home plumbing, as well as general home plumbing and fixtures. Plumbing, plumbing fixtures and pipe joint solder is a potential source of lead, particularly in older homes. To find more information on internal plumbing and lead visit https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water or contact your local health department.
Using this link, you can access the Prequalified Plumbers List, Application for Lead Service Replacement, Lead Service Removal Agreement and the LSL Reimbursement Application and other LSL Grant information.
For more information please contact Cheryl Purvis at 608-637-8724, [email protected] or Sarah Grainger at 608-637-2937 (please leave a message), [email protected].
Click on the following links for the forms for this program.
Prequalified Plumbing List 3-31-2022
Application For Lead Service Replacement