Lead Service Line
Replacement Overview
Under the state mandate, the Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act, municipalities are required by law to develop an inventory to identify the number of suspected lead service lines in addition to creating and implementing a comprehensive plan to replace those service lines within a required timeframe. In accordance with the law, the City of Evanston (City) will submit a draft lead service line replacement plan by 2024, and a final plan by 2027. Upon approval of the plan by the Illinois EPA, the City anticipates it will then replace 3% to 5% of its water service lines each year.
The City recognizes that the long-term solution to providing residents with clean and safe drinking water is to remove lead from the water system. The City encourages homeowners to visit the Projects page to see what lead replacement projects are currently available to homeowners in the City of Evanston.
Under the homeowner-initiated LSLR project, the property owner may replace the service that goes from their home to the valve in the parkway (parkway valve) as shown in the figure above. This is referred to as the private side replacement. Once this work is completed, the City will replace the lead portion of service from the parkway to the water main (public side) at no expense to the property owner.
As stated in the Act, the City has also collected data to identify properties that may have lead service lines. Property owners who might be eligible and want to participate, simply need to enter their address in the form below and will be notified by a representative from the City if their home qualifies. The inventory of lead service lines is publicly available through the Water Service Information Map. A resident may simply enter their address or water billing account to know if their home is potentially affected.
The City maintains compliance with state and federal laws that protect residents from exposure to lead.
Enhances the public health of Evanston residents.
Ensures accessibility for all impacted residents including underserved communities.
Provides residents with educational materials and resources on lead.
No additional cost for replacement of service line.
LSLR Projects
Pilot Project
The Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) Pilot Project prioritizes private-side lead replacements...
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Annual Water Main Project
As part of the Annual Water Main Project LSLR, the City of Evanston is offering a full lead service line replacement...
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The Homeowner Initiated Project
Under the Homeowner Initiated LSLR, the property owner may replace the service that...
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Eligibility
If you live in a house built before 1986, there is a high likelihood that your water service line is made of lead unless it was replaced during renovation. The City of Evanston has collected data to identify properties that may have lead service lines. To determine eligibility, please visit the Projects page to learn more. Additionally, homeowners can submit the form on the right with your contact information and you will be notified by a representative from the City of Evanston if your home qualifies.
Check Eligibility
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Take Action
Evanston’s drinking water meets all safety guidelines; however, lead can get into the water in different ways. If you suspect you have a lead service line, you can look at the pipe material. A lead pipe will have a grey color whereas a copper pipe is a dark orange color. Even if your service line does not contain lead, you may be receiving water through a segment of lead located outside of your home. The City can verify if the visible portion of your service line is lead or not. If you have any comments or questions, please contact us.
News and Updates
As the City of Evanston works to remove lead service lines, the City will provide updates and news to residents accordingly.
Regulatory and Other Information
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The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) requires municipalities to update their service line material inventories annually as well as any disturbance notifications. Evanston’s Water Treatment Facility Administration Material Inventory can be found here. Information on Lead Service Materials Inventory requirements by law can be found in PA 99-0922 Section 17.11. Please visit IEPA’s Lead Service Line Information page for more information and resources.
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In 1991, the EPA published a regulation to control lead and copper in drinking water. This regulation is known as the Lead and Copper Rule.
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With any lead service line replacement, please be aware of the following:
1. Work may result in sediment, possibly containing lead from the service line, in the building's water
2. Information concerning the best practices for preventing exposure to or risk of consumption of lead in drinking water, including a recommendation to flush water lines during and after the completion of the repair or replacement work and to clean faucet aerator screens is available here.
3. Information regarding the dangers of lead exposure to young children and pregnant women is available here.
Equity in Lead Prevention
The City is committed to working with high-risk population groups who are disproportionately impacted by lead service lines. High-risk groups include people of color, low to moderate income residents, non-English speaking residents, and households with children, infants, and pregnant women. The City is taking steps to reduce any barriers to ensure those most vulnerable have access to lead service line replacements.
With this at the forefront, the City is offering to replace the portion of service from the parkway to the water main at
no additional cost to better serve all residents.
Contact Us
If you have any comments or questions about the Evanston Lead Service Line Replacement, please call or write to us at:
City of Evanston
Water Production Bureau
555 Lincoln Street
Evanston, IL 60201
Phone: 311 or (847) 448-4311
Email: water@cityofevanston.org