HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026_LSLR_Program_Application_Packet
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Program Notice_1-26-26.docx
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Lead Service Line Replacement Information for 2026
The purpose of this document is to remind property owners of the potential existence of a lead
water service line at your property, the requirements to replace lead water service lines, and a
possible City program available to help finance the replacement. Lead water service lines and
home plumbing are potential sources of lead in drinking water. Galvanized steel and brass piping
that was ever downstream of lead piping is also a significant source of lead and are considered a
lead service line.
Studies have shown that replacing only a portion of a lead service line can increase the risk of lead
exposure from drinking water to the occupants. As a result, the City has implemented policies and
procedures to reduce the risk of lead exposure to its residents. The Municipal Code of the City of
Oshkosh, Section 20-13, requires full Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR), replacement of both
the public- and privately-owned lead service lines, within six (6) months of work on a lead water
service line. The LSLR Policy (Policy), available on www.oshkoshwater.com, describes how the
requirements of the Municipal Code are implemented.
Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and
children can display a decrease in IQ and attention spans. Lead exposure can lead to new learning
and behavioral problems or exacerbate existing learning and behavioral problems. The children of
women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have an increased risk of these
adverse health effects. Adults are also at increased risk for heart disease, high blood pressure,
kidney or nervous system problems.
The City owns and is responsible for maintaining the water service line up to the curb stop (the first
valve) off the water main. For residential properties, the curb stop is typically located in the terrace
or in the sidewalk adjacent to the street. The water service line from inside your building out to the
curb stop is owned and maintained by the property owner.
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The City has an online database of public and private-side water service materials.
Please use the QR code (to the right) or visit https://tinyurl.com/yb7p8fkz to verify
if the pipe materials serving your property are lead through the City’s database, or
call (920) 232-5336. If this database shows that the material of your water service
line is “unknown”, an inspection of your water service line needs to be performed.
Please click the “Lead Inspection Service” link in the database or call (920) 232-5336 and schedule a
free appointment. The City’s Water Distribution Division will perform this service at no cost to
you. City staff will also complete the required cross-connection survey to ensure no hazardous
connections to the drinking water system exist. Again, there is no fee for this service.
The City will be providing a pitcher and two (2) filter cartridges, certified for lead removal by NSF
International, to each living unit on a parcel with a lead service line where a disturbance will or has
occurred. The pitcher and filter should be used immediately and for six (6) months after
replacement of lead pipes for any water used for cooking or consumption. Additional filters are
available from the City of Oshkosh Water Utility, if needed. Consumers may experience a
temporary increase in lead levels in their drinking water due to disturbances. To reduce exposure
risk, customers should flush the water service and interior plumbing lines and clean the aerators on
any faucets after any plumbing work. Running water, until it gets as cold as it will get, typically 1-2
minutes after a period of several hours of stagnation, will also reduce lead exposure. Boiling water
does not reduce lead levels.
Between three (3) and six (6) months after completion of a lead service line replacement, consumers
may request that the City collect a water sample to test for lead. The City will provide the results to
the requesting consumer. The City cannot perform this test in-house. Consumers will be charged
for the cost of the test and shipping. Current costs are $55 for the test. The costs are subject to
change.
The City has applied for and received financial assistance from the Wisconsin Department of
Natural Resources (WDNR) to help reduce the cost to private property owners for work in 2026.
The funding from the WDNR is from the United States Environmental Protection Agency through
the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
The City will directly pay the invoiced cost of the work to the prequalified contractor up to a
maximum of $5,400 for lead service line replacement and an additional $1,300 for hard surface
restoration. Any balance over these amounts is the responsibility of the property owner. Fifty
percent (50%) of the invoiced cost (up to the maximum of $3,350) will be repaid to the City by the
property owner through a low-interest loan. For eligible properties located in Census Tracts 4, 7
or 12 no repayment is required. Eligible properties in these Census Tracts will be notified
directly by a separate letter.
For low-income property owners, additional assistance may be available through a Community
Development Block Grant. There is a very limited amount of funding available through this Block
Grant. For additional assistance, please contact Maria Fletcher at (920) 236-5258 to verify eligibility.
The City has published a Request for Qualifications for plumbers/utility contractors interested in
becoming prequalified to perform private-side LSLR. The list of prequalified plumbers/utility
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contractors is available on the Water Utility page of the City’s website (www.oshkoshwater.com).
To get to the list, click on “Lead Service Line Information/Replacement Program”. The list of
prequalified plumber/utility contractors is near the bottom of the page. Property owners are
encouraged to obtain at least two (2) quotations from the plumbers/utility contractors on that list
and contract directly with one (1) of the plumbers/utility contractors on that list to have the private-
side lead water service lateral replacement completed. Financial assistance for the LSLR program
has very specific requirements. To be eligible for reimbursement, the work on the private-side
LSLR will need to be carefully coordinated with the City.
Following are the instructions on how to apply for financial assistance and the program
requirements:
Properties must be approved by the City before the start of work to ensure eligibility for the
financial assistance due to the Federal funding requirements of the program. Complete the
2026 Financial Assistance Application for Private-Side Lead Service Line Replacement, the Release of
Liability, and the Consent to Special Charge and return to the City. The City will send an approval
letter with any WDNR-prescribed conditions to the property owner, along with the maximum
amount of financial assistance available to the property owner and a draft of the loan document,
if necessary.
Complete the Water Service Line Inspection. The inspection must be done by a licensed
plumber or the City’s Water Distribution Division. The City’s Water Distribution Division will
complete the survey for no charge. Schedule an appointment at www.oshkoshwater.com or call
(920) 232-5336.
Property owners are encouraged to obtain at least two (2) estimates for the private-side LSLR
from the City’s list of prequalified plumbers/utility contractors. Provide your chosen
prequalified contractor a copy of the City’s approval letter and WDNR-prescribed conditions.
The entire water service must be lead-free within one hundred and eighty (180) days of one
side becoming lead-free. Failure to meet this scheduling requirement will result in the City
not paying the contractor, and no financial assistance will be available. This does not apply to
properties with partial replacement completed before August 8, 2024.
Property owner will sign an agreement with a City-prequalified plumber/utility contractor to
perform the private-side LSLR.
The work must comply with Build America, Buy America (BABA) requirements.
Upon completion of the work, the 2026 Contractor Payment Application for Private-Side Lead Water
Service Line Replacement must be filled out and signed by both the property owner and the
prequalified contractor who completed the work. This form must be submitted to the City with
a copy of an itemized invoice and BABA compliance and wage rate documentation.
All Building Permits (typically electrical and plumbing) must pass final inspection.
Also at this time, a meeting with Maria Fletcher must be set up by the property owner to
complete, sign, and have notarized the loan documents (Promissory Note, Covenant, and
Mortgage). This loan will be for the balance of the remaining fifty percent (50%) of the
invoiced cost (up to the maximum of $3,350) and a $60 fee (for recording the loan with the
Winnebago Register of Deeds). The interest charged on this loan is two percent (2%) for a
term of ten (10) years. There is no penalty for early payment.
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In the event the property owner wishes to pay their portion of the costs at closing, the property
owner must sign a Promissory Note and Covenant.
All of the forms listed above can be found at www.oshkoshwater.com.
Upon final inspection and approval by the City of Oshkosh Plumbing Inspector, the City will
send the prequalified contractor a check for the full amount of the invoice for the private-side
LSLR, up to the maximum of $6,700.
Funding for private-side LSLR is being provided by the Federal Government. Therefore, in most
cases, the Federal Davis-Bacon wage rate requirements will apply to the plumbing/utility
contracting firm performing this work.
The City will assist in determining whether or not the Davis-Bacon wage rate requirements apply.
As the requirements for reimbursement eligibility continue to evolve, the City will be updating our
procedures. Please visit the City’s website for additional information, as needed.
Additional information about lead in drinking water can be found on the City’s web page at
www.oshkoshwater.com. Property owners may wish to consider replacement of their building’s
plumbing (pipe, valves, or fixtures) that contain lead-based materials or galvanized iron and brass
materials that were ever downstream of lead.
Please contact Maria Fletcher at (920) 236-5258 or the Department of Public Works at (920) 236-5065
with any questions regarding lead in drinking water.
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City Hall, 215 Church Avenue P.O. Box 1130 Oshkosh, WI 54903-1130 http://www.oshkoshwi.gov
Return to Tracy Taylor:
Via e-mail: dpw@oshkoshwi.gov
Via mail: Department of Public Works
PO Box 1130
Oshkosh, WI 54903-1130
In person: Room 301, City Hall
215 Church Avenue
2026 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE APPLICATION FOR
PRIVATE-SIDE LEAD SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT
Application, including Waiver/Release and Consent to Special Charge forms, must be submitted to be considered.
APPROVAL OF THE PROPERTY IS REQUIRED BEFORE COMMENCING WORK
Approval for the Lead Water Service Replacement financial assistance is required before commencing work.
Properties must be deemed eligible before the start of replacement work to ensure that Federal requirements for the
Endangered Species, Archeological/Historical, and Waterway/Wetland Reviews have been completed. Some
properties may not be eligible for reimbursement due to these reviews or may require additional time to complete
the process due to location and property history. The City of Oshkosh (City) will provide a written response to the
approval application. Please note any conditions included in the response and share them with your contractor.
The response will include the maximum amount of financial assistance the property is eligible to receive.
Approvals are valid for nine (9) months.
Verification of the property’s water service line materials is required before approval. Visit the
City’s online Water Service Inventory to view your property by using the QR code to the right. The
Private-Side Service Line pipe material must be lead, galvanized iron (considered lead), or brass for
the replacement to be eligible for financial assistance. If the material type is listed as “unknown”,
please schedule an appointment for a free inspection using the link from the Inventory or call (920)
232-5336. If you do not have access to use this QR code, you may call (920) 232-5336 to find out if the City has
already identified your material type or visit www.oshkoshwater.com.
Lead Service line replacement should be coordinated so the public-side and private-side are completed within
90 days of each other and must be done within 180 days of either side becoming lead-free. Failure to meet the
180-day requirement may result in the property not being eligible for financial assistance. The 180-day
requirement does not apply to partial replacements completed before August 8, 2024.
HOUSEHOLD INFORMATION
Property Owner’s Name(s): ___________________________________________________________________________
(If business or corporation, provide the name and title of the individual who can sign legal documents.)
Property Address: ____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Mailing Address: ____________________________________________________________________________
(if different than above)
____________________________________________________________________________
Home Phone: ___________________________ Cell Phone: _______________________________________
E-mail Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________
The City will use this e-mail address to communicate important information about the program. Please check this
Box if you do not wish to receive information via e-mail:
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Is the property used for a licensed childcare facility or school? (Check one) Yes ____ No ____
List the dates of birth for all children living or routinely spending significant time at this address or property:
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Are any members of the household currently pregnant? (Check one) Yes ____ No ____
Are any residents of the property currently immunocompromised? (Check one) Yes ____ No ____
Has the Private-Side Lead Service Line Replacement been completed?
NO YES, Date Completed ____________________________________ ______________________
Is the Private-Side Lead Service Line Replacement due to a leak?
YES NO, Reason for Replacement ________________________ ______________________
I attest that the above information is correct and consent to the review of my property for the purpose of
determining eligibility requirements of the Lead Service Line Replacement Program.
Property Owner’s Signature: __________________________________________________________________________
Date: _______________________________________________________________________
A signed Lead Service Line Replacement Financial Assistance Program Waiver/Release of Liability and signed
Lead Service Line Replacement Financial Assistance Program Consent to Special Charge (attached) must be
returned with this document. Please call (920) 236-5258 if you need assistance determining the Parcel Number
of your property.
DAVIS-BACON WAGE RATE REQUIREMENTS
Funding for private-side lead water service line replacement is being provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Therefore, the Federal Davis-Bacon wage rate requirements will apply in the following circumstances:
The property is owned by an individual or individuals or is in the name of a business.
The work will be performed using a plumbing/utility contracting firm that has employees (who are not 20%
owners of this firm), and an owner of that plumbing/utility contracting firm did not perform one hundred
percent (100%) of the work.
Davis-Bacon wage rate requirements will not apply in the following circumstances:
An employee who is at least a twenty percent (20%) owner of the plumbing/utility contracting firm completing
the work completes one hundred percent (100%) of the work.
The total cost of the LSL replacement is less than $2,000.
The City will assist in determining whether or not the Davis-Bacon wage rate requirements apply.
The plumber/utility contractor must provide a certified payroll to the City on the U.S. Department of Labor’s
Payroll form with the reimbursement application form.
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2026 LEAD SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
WAIVER/RELEASE OF LIABILITY
NOTE: THIS IS A LEGAL DOCUMENT
1. The City of Oshkosh (City) has created a program to help City residents pay for some of the costs needed
to replace their water service pipes that contain lead. The program is made possible through funding
received from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
2. I own property within the Oshkosh City limits. The description of my property is as follows:
Address: _______________
Parcel No: _______________
3. I understand that participating in this Lead Water Service Line Replacement Financial Assistance Program
is voluntary. The pipe that I hope to receive financial assistance for is my private pipe on my own property
and within the adjacent public right-of-way to the curb stop. I will need to hire a contractor to replace my
lead water service pipe. I am responsible for whatever work is done.
4. The City has created a list of pre-qualified contractors. These contractors have stated they are willing to
replace lead water service pipes and will abide by the program requirements. I understand the City has
created this list as a convenience for homeowners like me. The City has verified the contractors on this list
have met the qualifications of being licensed utility contractors and/or plumbers, and these contractors
have agreed to follow all program requirements.
The City does not warranty, guaranty, or state that individual contractors on the list will be qualified to do
the work on my property, or that I will get along with the contractor, or that I will agree with their
contract, or how they go about completing the work. I understand that things can go wrong on any
construction job. Therefore, it is my responsibility to investigate the contractors on the City’s list and find
the one that I think will be the best for me, in terms of price, contract terms, and the actual work they will
do. I understand that I will be the one responsible for hiring a contractor. My agreement is with the
Contractor, and is not an agreement with the City. The City does not have an agreement for this Program
with the Contractor.
5. The City’s main involvement in this project on my property is to financially assist me for some of the work
that I hire a contractor to do on my property as long as I meet the program qualifications.
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6. Release of Liability. I hereby release the City of Oshkosh, its officers, employees, agents, representatives,
and insurers, including all of the assignees and successors in interest from all claims based upon the
actions and/or inactions of the City of Oshkosh, its officers, employees, agents, and/or representatives,
related to or occurring in connection with my participation in the Lead Service Line Replacement Financial
Assistance Program. The claims released in this paragraph include those which may be based upon State
or Federal statutes and/or administrative codes, common law, and Municipal and/or County Ordinances.
The potential injuries and claims resulting from the identified type of events include, but are not limited to,
monetary losses, as well as physical and psychological injuries of all levels of seriousness.
I understand that by signing this Release that I am not releasing the one (1) or more contractors that I hire
to perform the lead water service pipe replacement; nor Third persons, including plumbers/utility
contractors, based upon their negligent, reckless, willful, and malicious actions; and that those Third
parties and their actions are not part of this agreement and are not released. Third persons are meant to
include all persons other than the City of Oshkosh, its officers, employees, agents, and/or representatives.
I understand that in order for the City to make sure this program works for everyone, it has to be clear that
I am entering into agreements with contractors based on my own choice, and not based on any choice or
direction the City has made for me.
I understand that if I didn’t agree to the terms of this Waiver/Release, the City may be unable to offer
financial assistance through the Lead Service Line Replacement Financial Assistance Program or that the
opportunities for me to participate in this program may be limited.
I hereby waive the right to make a claim as noted above and waive my rights to negotiate or bargain for
different terms of this waiver and release of claims, which may lead to more potential liability on the part
of the City of Oshkosh, its officers, employees, agents, and/or representatives, and may limit my
participation or increase my costs under this program.
I understand that, in order for me to participate in the Lead Service Line Replacement Financial Assistance
Program, an agreement for waiver/release in some form is required. For reasons that have value to me, I
have chosen to accept the terms as identified within this document.
Property Owner:
_______________________________________________ _____________________________________
Signature Printed Name
_______________________________________________ _____________________________________
If applicable, name of business or corporation and title of person signing. Individual must have the authority
to sign legal documents for the above business/corporation.
_____________________________
Date
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2026 LEAD SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
CONSENT TO SPECIAL CHARGE
NOTE: THIS IS A LEGAL DOCUMENT
I am applying for financial assistance available through the City of Oshkosh Lead Service Line
Replacement Financial Assistance Program for the replacement of a lead water service line (LSL) or
galvanized iron water service line, considered LSL, servicing the Property, which I own and which is
described below:
Property Address:
Parcel No:
I understand that, under the City’s Lead Service Line Replacement Financial Assistance Program
(Program), I will choose a contractor(s) who will replace the lead service line on my Property, but that
the City will pay that contractor(s) after work is completed, up to a maximum of $5,400 for plumbing
costs and $1,300 in hard surface restoration costs. I understand that I am responsible for any amounts
charged for work performed above these maximum amounts.
I understand that, as a part of the Program, I will be required to sign an agreement at the completion of
the work to allow the City to disburse the funds. I understand that it is very important that I cooperate
with the City and respond promptly to requests for information and to requests for completion of the
required paperwork under the Program to allow the City to promptly reimburse the contractor(s) who
performed work and to comply with the City’s Lead Service Line Assistance Program and State of
Wisconsin Loan Program requirements.
I understand and agree that if my application is approved, repayment of the Lead Service Line
Assistance Loan amount will be secured by the City’s right to special charge as provided by §66.0627
of the Wisconsin Statutes.
To that end, if my application is approved, I agree that I will promptly respond to requests for
information and promptly, within 7 calendar days of the date that City staff contacts me to schedule a
meeting to sign the required agreement or sign or provide any other paperwork that the City may
require from me, schedule a meeting and attend that meeting to complete the necessary paperwork to
allow the City to disburse payment to the contractor(s) that I have chosen and to complete the process
for purposes of the Lead Line Financial Assistance Program.
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I further agree that if my application is approved, the work is performed and I fail to promptly
respond or comply with the Program requirements, that the City may proceed with payment to the
contractor of the amount eligible for payment under the City’s Lead Line Financial Assistance
Program and levy the amount of the financial assistance provided to me, up to the maximum of
$5,400 for plumbing costs and $1,300 in hard surface restoration costs against the Property as a
special charge pursuant to Wis. Stat. §66.0627(8)(ag). In connection therewith, I:
(i) acknowledge that the City will have incurred financial obligations in connection with my
application and acceptance into the Program and in connection with payment of the contractor(s)
who will have performed work and that the work performed will have benefited my Property;
(ii) agree that the amount of the special charge, if levied, constitutes a proper exercise of the
City’s authority to levy special charges in accordance with Wis. Stat. §66.0627(8)(ag)-(cm);
(iii) agree that the allocation of the amount of the special charge to the Property, up to the
maximum of $5,400 for plumbing costs and $1,300 in hard surface restoration costs, is reasonable;
(iv) consent to the imposition and levy of such special charge;
(v) agree that the levy of special charges is authorized by signature on this Consent Agreement,
and that no further procedural steps need be taken by the City;
(vi) waive all notices, hearings, and appeals provided by Wis. Stat. §66.0627 or any other statute;
(vii) acknowledge that the City is relying on the terms of this Agreement, and specifically the
terms of this Subsection in reviewing and accepting my application, and that if special charges
were not enforced that this would be inequitable to both the contractor(s) that performed the
work and the City who will pay for the work based upon my representations herein; and
(viii) understand and agree that the City will follow its customary practice in collecting special
charges placed on the tax rolls, including assessing penalties and charging interest, and initiating
foreclosure proceedings where appropriate.
Special charges collected for private LSL replacement loan repayments shall be placed in a segregated
fund and disbursed in accordance with the requirements of the City’s funding sources.
City shall keep an accounting of private LSL charges made in connection with this agreement and
payments received by the City and provide Property Owner with such information upon request.
Property Owner:
_____________________________________ ____________________________________
Signature Printed Name
_________________________________ _____________________________________
If applicable, name of business or corporation and title of person signing. Individual must have the
authority to sign legal documents for the above business/corporation.
_____________________________
Date