Official Partner:
City of Wausau & US Water |
State-Certified Laboratory | Testing Available for All Wausau Residents
Health Effects of Lead:
Exposure to lead in drinking water poses serious health risks across all age groups. Infants and children may experience reduced IQ levels, attention deficits, and learning or behavioral complications. Pregnant individuals exposed to lead may face increased risks affecting fetal development. Adults may be susceptible to cardiovascular diseases, elevated blood pressure, kidney damage, and neurological impairments.
While the City of Wausau is actively working to minimize lead exposure, the only way to know if your water contains lead is to test it. Lead can enter drinking water from multiple sources, including:
✔ Treatments for corrosion control to prevent lead leaching into water.
✔ Monitoring of water systems to detect potential lead issues.
✔ Programs for replacing lead service lines (through the Equiflow Lead-Free Program). https://www.leadfreewausau.com/
Even with these precautions, testing is the only way to confirm whether your home’s drinking water contains lead.
You should test your water if:
Testing your water is an easy and affordable way to ensure your home’s water is safe.
To identify the source of lead in your water, choose the appropriate testing method:
1. First Draw Water Sample (1st Liter Test) – $35
✔ Recommended for anyone concerned about lead in their household plumbing.
✔ Collect the first liter of water after 6+ hours of stagnation to check if lead is coming from household pipes, faucets, or fixtures.
2. First Draw + Fifth Liter Water Sample – $70
✔ Recommended if you have or had a lead service line or are unsure.
✔ The 1st liter checks for lead within plumbing and fixtures.
✔ The 5th liter detects lead coming from the service line after water has traveled through your pipes.
First Draw Sample (Cold water tap only):
Fifth Liter Sample (Cold water tap only):
| EPA Lead and Copper Rule Overview View Document | |
| EPA’s Fifth Liter Sampling Infographic View Document | |
| CDM Smith’s 5th Liter Sampling for Lead and Copper Rule Compliance View Video |
Once your test is complete, you’ll receive a detailed lab report showing your lead levels in parts per billion (ppb).
| Lead Level (ppb) | What It Means | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 1 ppb | Safe | No action needed |
| 1 – 5 ppb | Low presence of lead | Flush pipes before use |
| 5 – 10 ppb | Concerning level | Use a lead-certified filter |
| Above 10 ppb | Unsafe | Stop drinking, take action immediately |
If lead is detected, take these precautions:
✔ Flush your pipes: Run water for 1–2 minutes before drinking.
✔ Use only cold water for drinking and cooking.
✔ Install an NSF/ANSI 53-certified lead filter (e.g., Brita Elite).
✔ Clean faucet aerators to remove lead particles.
✔ Do not boil water – it concentrates lead instead of removing it.
Phone: (715) 842-2215
Visit leadfreewausau.com
Call (715) 793-7417 or email infowausau@yourcip.com
US Water is the official partner of the City of Wausau in the Equiflow Lead-Free Program. As a state-certified laboratory, we provide lead water testing for Wausau homeowners who have had their lead service lines replaced, as well as for those concerned about lead in their drinking water.
The City of Wausau monitors water quality test results and reports findings to the state authorities. If elevated lead levels are consistently detected in multiple locations, the city will investigate and may consider system-wide adjustments.
US Water, a state-certified laboratory in Weston, WI, provides accurate lead testing for all Wausau residents.
Cost: $35 (first draw test) or $70 (first draw + fifth liter test).
Results Available in Less Than a Week!
✔ Self-Collection & Mail-In – Collect your sample and mail it back. (+ $10 shipping)
✔ Scheduled Collection – A US Water technician collects your sample. (+ $19 appointment fee)
✔ Lab Drop-Off – Pick up & drop off your sample at US Water in Weston. (Free)
✔ Customized Pickup & Submission – Call (715) 842-2215 for special arrangements.
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