Waukesha County Resources
Public Health
Waukesha County Public Health Department offers lead screening for children as early as nine months old. Otherwise, a lead test is recommended at ages one and two. Older children can also have a lead test as needed and determined on a case by case basis up to the age of 18. Lead screening is the only way to tell if a child is exposed to lead. The blood test is a fingerstick, and results are provided within minutes. If the child has a blood lead level of 5 micrograms per deciliter (5 mcg/dl) or higher, the child is open to Lead Case Management services. A public health nurse provides care coordination for children who have been exposed to lead. Services include health assessment, growth and development evaluation, and education about treatment and prevention. Contact us at 262-896-8430, or toll-free at 1-800-540-3620.
Environmental Health
Certified lead risk assessors conduct lead risk assessments on the property of a child under the age of six and with a venous blood lead level of 15 mcg/dl or above. The lead risk assessments include different sampling in order to verify that lead is not present on the property. If lead is found on the property, orders are then written for the owner of the property to properly perform interim and/or abatement work. Contractors completing this work must be appropriately certified with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and follow all applicable federal, state, and local regulations for lead remediation.
If you are doing renovation work, a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) vacuum is a way to control dust. A HEPA vacuum is available for rental for Waukesha County residents utilizing this form. The HEPA vacuum differs from conventional vacuums in that it contains filters that are capable of trapping extremely small, micron-sized particles.
Drinking water can also be a source of lead. All municipal water utilities are required to test for lead by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Utilities must release an annual Consumer Confidence Report which contains lead levels, along with other contaminant levels. Homeowners or tenants may want to test the water coming out of their own faucets as homes (especially older homes) may have lead pipes or fixtures. The Waukesha County laboratory is not equipped to test for lead, but Environmental Health staff can provide guidance and assist in finding qualified laboratories.
Other Resources
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds
The home consortium operates a loan program using CDBG funds for Waukesha County residents, which provides low to moderate income households with access to funds for modest home repairs. The loan is provided as a no interest deferred loan of up to a maximum of $10,000 for households. There are no monthly payments, and the entire loan is due upon sale of the home. See http://www.homeconsortium.com/ for more information.
Municipalities in Waukesha County
City of Oconomowoc - Lead FAQs
