Wausau, Wis., scales up lead pipe replacement using EquiFlow partnership model
(UI) — The City of Wausau, Wisconsin, has dramatically accelerated its lead service line replacement program, leveraging an innovative public-private partnership to remove health hazards from its water system faster than originally planned.
According to a case study from Community Infrastructure Partners (CIP), Wausau is using the EquiFlow Lead-Free Program, a Community-Based Public-Private Partnership (CBP3) model, to streamline the removal of lead service lines across the city. The project is projected to cost $60 million, but is expected to save the city over $40 million compared to traditional approaches.
The program aims to replace approximately 8,000 lead service lines that supply drinking water to homes in Wausau. In its first year, the initiative replaced 605 lead lines—11 times the city’s prior record of 55 in a single year—while saving about $600,000.
Overcoming barriers to private property replacements
A major challenge in lead pipe removal is securing homeowner consent, especially for replacements on private property. Traditional outreach strategies often lead to delays, but Wausau’s EquiFlow program focused on public health messaging and community partnerships to boost participation.
Through collaborations with local organizations—including the Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service, the Hmong and Hispanic Communication Network, and the Medical College of Wisconsin—the program engaged residents in multiple languages and emphasized the health benefits of removing lead pipes.
These efforts resulted in a 96% success rate for homeowner consent in the first year, CIP reports.
Expanding contractor capacity
Prior to this program, Wausau typically received only one or two contractor bids for lead line work. The EquiFlow model attracted 30 firms to the initial pre-bid meeting and resulted in six competitive bids, expanding the contractor pool and driving down costs.
The project also established a workforce development partnership with the Wisconsin Laborers’ District Council and LIUNA, creating a 4,000-hour apprenticeship program to train local workers for lead service line replacement work.
Innovative financing accelerates work
According to CIP, Wausau used interim private financing from CIP to cover pre-construction activities, such as door-to-door outreach, right-of-entry agreements, and project planning. This allowed the city to launch construction immediately, avoiding delays while waiting for federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to become available.
“The EquiFlow program is an important initiative for Wausau, delivering significant health and financial benefits to our community,” said Eric Lindman, director of Public Works & Utilities for the City of Wausau. “Together, we’re creating a healthier and more economically stable future for Wausau.”
With plans to replace more than 1,800 lines in its second year, Wausau is on track to be one of the first mid-sized cities in the nation to eliminate lead service lines entirely.
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