Lead Service Line Replacement Project
Project Summary
The City of West Chicago’s Lead Service Line Replacement Project is a long-term initiative to identify and remove water service lines that are confirmed or suspected to contain lead. This effort is part of the City’s commitment to protecting public health and is mandated by the Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act, which requires municipalities to inventory all service lines and complete the replacement of affected lines by 2042.
About This Page
This webpage serves as a central resource for project updates, important documents, and general information. It is reviewed quarterly to ensure content remains current, and all official communications related to the project will be archived here for easy reference.
Last Update: April 29, 2025
Information for Impacted Property Owners
The City will work directly with impacted property owners to share detailed information and coordinate next steps. Notifications will come from City staff, or the City’s authorized contractor(s) and consultant(s).
If you have questions or concerns, contact the Public Works Department.
Project Updates
Click the links below to view previously published project updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about lead service lines, based on the City's Lead Service Line Replacement Plan. While a review the entire FAQ section is encouraged, navigation to specific topics is enabled by clicking the links below.
- What is a service line?
- Why is the City replacing lead service lines?
- Are lead service lines the only ones being replaced with this project?
- What is the City’s Lead Service Line Replacement Plan?
- How many service lines in the City are known or suspected to contain lead?
- How much will it cost to replace all known affected service lines in the City?
- How do I know if there is lead in my water?
- How can I prevent lead exposure?
- What happens when a service line containing lead is discovered?
- Who is responsible for replacing affected service lines?
- Does the City require consent to replace affected service lines on my property?
- I was notified by the City that I have a known or suspected lead service line. When will my service line be replaced?
- What is the City doing to expedite the replacement of affected service lines?
Submit a Question
In addition to the questions already answered, you may submit questions through this page for further clarification about the Project. Relevant inquiries will be addressed by City staff and, if applicable to the general public, posted here. If a question is more specific or not broadly relevant, staff may follow up directly with the submitter. Contact information of those who submit questions will not be shared publicly.
For quicker responses on property-related questions, contact the Public Works Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a service line?
Service lines are pipes that connect water mains to individual homes or businesses, delivering drinking water from City-owned water mains into buildings. Per Section 18-34 of the West Chicago Municipal Code, the City is responsible for maintaining and repairing service lines up to the property line, usually up to the sidewalk or "B-Box" (water shut off box). Beyond this point (or alternatively from the easement if the watermain is located within the back or side yard), the property owner is responsible for the service lines and plumbing.
Why is the City replacing lead service lines?
In 2021, the Illinois General Assembly confirmed there is no safe level of lead exposure and passed the Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act (LSLRNA), effective January 1, 2022. This law requires municipalities to:
- Maintain a comprehensive water service line material inventory.
- Develop a lead service line replacement plan.
- Notify and request access from occupants of affected buildings before replacing lead service lines.
- Prohibit partial lead service line replacements, except as allowed by the Act.
Are lead service lines the only ones being replaced with this project?
No, in accordance with the Act and as part of the City’s Lead Service Line Replacement Plan, the City is also focusing on replacing galvanized iron service lines downstream of lead.
What is the City’s Lead Service Line Replacement Plan?
As required by the Illinois Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act, the City approved an initial Lead Service Line Replacement Plan in April 2024 outlining its policy, methods, replacement schedule, and other key details. The Plan may be updated through April 15, 2027 based on the best available information at the time.
How many service lines in the City are known or suspected to contain lead?
In accordance with the Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act, the City publishes its annual inventory of water service materials by April 15th each year. Lead service line inventories are provided below:
Current Service Line Inventory
How much will it cost to replace all known affected service lines in the City?
The current estimated cost to replace all known, or suspected, lead (including copper and galvanized iron) service lines in the City is approximately $14.4 million, which includes $7,000-$8,000 for public side replacements and $4,000-$5,000 for private replacements per service. This includes a 30% contingency to account for uncertainty in future costs.
How do I know if there is lead in my water?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers an infographic that identifies common sources of lead in drinking water in both English and Spanish.
While the age of a building can often suggest the presence of a lead service line, the best ways to identify lead in your water are:
- Water Testing & Verification: While the City has already identified volunteer residential sites to be tested semi-annually in accordance with the Lead and Copper Rule Revision (LCRR), additional sites can be tested by contacting the Public Works Department. Additionally, the City maintains an inventory of water service materials, including lead service lines, which is updated annually in accordance with the Act.
- Self-Inspection: Lead service lines are usually dull gray and turn shiny silver when scratched. While EPA images can help, a licensed plumber is your best bet for a full inspection. Lead pipes were common before 1930, phased out by 1960, and banned in 1986. Homes built before 1987—especially before 1930—may still have lead pipes or fixtures.
How can I prevent lead exposure?
The most effective way to prevent lead exposure is to replace suspected service lines and plumbing pipes and fixtures. If awaiting replacement, the Illinois Department of Public Health has provided recommendations that can help reduce lead exposure in drinking water.
What happens when a service line containing lead is discovered?
The City replaces water service lines when lead is encountered during water main construction, maintenance, or repair. If lead service lines are found, residents are notified, and known or suspected lead service lines are then added to the City’s inventory and service line replacement schedule.
Who is responsible for replacing affected service lines?
The following outlines the City’s policy for responsibility of lead service line replacement:
- If the City replaces service lines as part of the City’s lead service line replacement plan, replaces water mains, or repairs public-side leaks/damages:
Then the City is responsible for paying for and installing both the public and private sides of the service lines. Replacement of plumbing fixtures is the responsibility of the property owner.
- If the property owner chooses to replace service lines, or if there’s a leak/damage on the private side:
Then the property owner is responsible for paying for the installation on the private side, while the City is responsible for the cost of installation on the public side. Replacement of plumbing fixtures is the responsibility of the property owner.
- If the property owner builds an addition or new construction occurs that requires service line replacement:
Then the property owner is responsible for paying for the installation on both the public and private side of the service lines, including plumbing fixtures.
Does the City require consent to replace affected service lines on my property?
Yes. The City must obtain the property owner's consent and permission to perform service line replacements on private property.
I was notified by the City that I have a known or suspected lead service line. When will my service line be replaced?
Under the Illinois Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act, municipalities with fewer than 1,200 known or suspected lead service lines, like the City of West Chicago, are required to replace at least 7% of these lines annually and complete replacement of all known or suspected lines by 2042.
To meet this requirement, the City must replace approximately 56 lead service lines per year starting in 2027. The City has provided a map outlining the anticipated replacement plan.
What is the City doing to expedite the replacement of affected service lines?
Although the Act places a requirement that includes a longer replacement schedule, the City is proactively seeking funding through a long-term, potential 0% interest, loan. If the City is successful it anticipates expediting the project substantially.
The City will continue to provide updates about the application process with links to previous notifications about the Project.