WEST BEND — Washington County executive Josh Schoemann recently stopped in for a visit with West Bend Mayor Joel Ongert to present a check utilizing county funds to aid in the replacement of lead laterals in the city.
This funding is part of a municipal-shared service initiative started by the county to improve overall water quality and reduce lead content. The grant funds are used for the replacement of both public- and private-side lead laterals, with public-side lateral replacement estimated at about $15,000 per lateral and private-side lateral replacement estimated at about $5,000 per lateral.
According to the announcement posted on the county’s Facebook page, the $157,600 check is going to be put toward the replacement of lead laterals in West Bend. This funding is expected to cover the replacement of the laterals in 16 more homes, making them lead free.