A City of Racine and CIP Partnership

Additional Resources

clean faucet drinking water

Understanding Lead

Lead can be found in several parts of older homes, including service lines, plumbing materials, and certain fixtures installed before modern standards were in place. When these components age or corrode, small amounts of lead can sometimes enter drinking water. Understanding where lead may be present in your home’s plumbing helps recognize why updating older materials is an important step in maintaining a safe and reliable water system.

Explore additional information and guidance from these trusted sources:
EPA – Learn About Lead
EPA – Lead in Drinking Water

Health & Exposure Information

Lead exposure can affect learning, behavior, and development in children and may contribute to health concerns for pregnant individuals and adults over time. Understanding these effects helps families stay aware and take steps that protect health.

Resources

Understanding Lead

Health and Exposure Information

CDC – Prevent Lead Poisoning in Children

What is a Water Service Line?

A water service line is the pipe that carries drinking water from the City’s main water line in the street to your home’s water meter. It has two sections: the City-owned portion (from the main to the curb stop) and the property-owned portion (from the curb stop to the meter).
Many older homes, especially those built before the 1950s, still have lead service lines. Replacing these lines through EquiFlow Racine removes a primary source of lead exposure and enhances the long-term quality and reliability of your home’s water system.
water line ownership diagram