The first homeowner in the state to take advantage of new rules that allow utilities to help property owners foot the cost of removing lead water laterals from in front of their homes has done so.
Selena Mercado of 4703 19th Ave. on the city’s near north side hosted a group of state and local officials Tuesday. Gathering under umbrellas and pop-up tents in the street, they marked the occasion with a round of speeches, then grabbed hold of a previously disconnected lead lateral and yanked it out of the ground.
Kenosha Mayor John Antaramian is credited with helping to push the rule changes through the legislature, allowing the city’s utility to become the first in the state to adopt a financial aid program. He said there's no excuse for municipalities not to act. "I know there's a huge cost to doing these types of projects," Antaramian said. "But it's important to protect the people from lead. It's a disastrous situation that can affect children's whole lives."
The homeowner—Mercado—discovered that her home had a lead lateral by accident---she had summoned utility officials earlier this year to investigate a leak, and was told of the likelihood of lead, which can leach out and be harmful to children who drink water from the tap. Mercado, who has a one year-old baby, immediately switched to bottled water.
Lead water pipes are confined to the older sections of the city. Homeowners who believe they may have lead may call the water utility to learn more about the program.
State officials say they believe other water utilities in Wisconsin will quickly follow Kenosha’s lead and develop similar programs.
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