Fort Atkinson Water System Facts

Interactive Water Service Line Lookup (Click image below)

lead_map
lead service line curb stop changes

To help answer a few questions you may have:

The EPA has a wealth of information on their website related to the lead and copper rule governing the management of these services. The information below is specific to the FORT ATKINSON Water Utility

  • The Fort Atkinson Water Utility has been testing the tap water of known lead and copper services since 1992 according to EPA Methods. Results are below for that sampling.
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  • The Fort Atkinson water supply comes from wells 1000+ feet below the ground. This water contains minerals (known as hard water) that form a scale on the inside of most water pipes, creating a natural barrier between the water we drink and the pipe material.
  • The EPA and the State of Wisconsin require the Fort Atkinson Water Utility to determine the pipe material of the water service on BOTH the City owned side, and the Homeowner owned side (see figure above). The utility does not survey the plumbing pipes or fixtures inside your home which may also contain lead and copper.
  • The Water Utility is required to notify residents if any of three types of water services exist on the City side or Homeowner side; Known Lead, Known Galvanized, or Unknown. Galvanized services are included because the rigid pipe is often (but not always) connected to the main by a short piece of flexible lead, called a gooseneck. Results of the current inventory are below:
current inventory
Lead

More Info: 

Fort Atkinson Water Utility Next Steps

The Utility will continue to investigate and confirm the material of the unknown services within the water distribution system. If residents would like to confirm the service entering their home, the figure below is very helpful. A photo of the pipe and material can be emailed to the utility at jarmstrong@fortatkinsonwi.gov  if it is Unknown, or different from the information noted on the City Map.

Identifying Service Line Material - Interactive Tool

LEAD removed

Federal funding has been allocated to Wisconsin to allow Utilities to begin an active lead service replacement program. The Utility is developing a longer repayment method for homeowners on the private side of the lateral to ensure cost is not a factor in the replacement of lines on the homeowner side.

Additional questions can be directed to the Water Utility Superintendent, Jeff Armstrong at jarmstrong@fortatkinsonwi.gov or 920-397-9901

How do I get my water tested for lead?

Lead can't be seen, smelled, or tasted in water. Testing at the tap is the only way to measure the lead levels. Those who choose to have their water tested should use a private laboratory properly certified by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.  Only the presence or absence of lead can be tested. It will not show where the lead is coming from in the home.

State Lab of Hygiene
2601 Agriculture Drive
Madison, WI 53707
Phone: 800-442-4618