Chicago's Lead Service Line Replacement Effort

The city of Chicago has more lead service lines than any other U.S. city. Estimates show around 400,000 lines either confirmed or suspected. The City of Chicago is working diligently to replace these service lines over the next few decades.

The Problem with Lead Lines

Water service lines are the smaller water pipes that connect the larger water mains in the street to the buildings and homes. Water service lines that are made out of lead can corrode over time and cause lead to enter drinking water. Corrosion can be impacted by the acidity and temperature of the water, how long the water stays in the pipes, the types of minerals in the water and many other factors.

Lead in drinking water can pose a variety of risks. According to the CDC, there is no safe level of lead exposure, especially for young children. Lead exposure in children can cause brain and nervous system damage, which can impact learning and development. For adults, lead exposure is associated with kidney damage, cardiovascular problems and high blood pressure. Because of this, the EPA has set the maximum contaminant level goal at zero.

It is estimated that around 68% of children in Chicago are exposed to lead-contaminated drinking water, according to a study done by JAMA Pediatrics. They also estimated children of color in Chicago are more likely to experience lead exposure, highlighting historical inequities.

The graphic below from WBEZ Chicago highlights lead pipe distribution relative to race and poverty.

Chicago is targeting their efforts on these disproportionately affected neighborhoods with initiatives like their Equity Lead Service Line Replacement Program.

EPA Regulation

The current Lead and Copper Rule requires 100% replacement of lead service lines within the next 10 years. Given how many lead service lines Chicago has, exceptions have been made, and they are expected to replace nearly 20,000 service lines every year starting in 2027. This puts Chicago on a timeline to replace 100% of its lead service lines within the next 20-25 years.

Where Things Stand

Chicago is beginning to tackle these lead service line replacements one by one. So far, around 4% of the service lines have been replaced. Additionally, Chicago has developed five replacement programs that allow homeowners to get their service line replaced either for free or at a discount to the homeowner. These programs are:

• Daycare Lead Service Line Replacement - Chicago is offering free lead service line replacement to licensed daycares. The city says they are proactively reaching out to qualifying daycares.

• Equity Lead Service Line Replacement - Homeowners may be eligible for a completely free lead service line replacement if they meet certain income requirements.

• Homeowner-Initiated Replacement- The City of Chicago will waive permit fees that could amount to around $5,000 if residential homeowners hire a contractor to remove the lead service line.

• Breaks and Leaks Program - If a service line breaks or leaks, residents can call 311 to report it and the service line will be replaced for free

• Block-Long Replacement Program - When the water mains that run through the streets need to be replaced due to their age, every lead service line connected to that water main will be replaced for free as well.

  
  

For more information on these lead service line replacement programs check out Lead Safe Chicago

What Can You Do to Stay Lead Safe?

As Chicago works on getting lead out of the drinking water, there are things that residents can do in the meantime to protect themselves from lead exposure.

• Check what your service line is made out of - There are plenty of service lines in Chicago that are made out of copper instead of lead. The City of Chicago put together a great resource that can help you determine what material your water service line is made from. Click here to check it out: Service Line Lookup

• Get your water tested for lead - Chicago offers free water lead test kits. If you are not sure whether there is lead in your water, fill out this Request Form to receive your testing kit.

• Run your water - If you suspect your water has lead in it, you can run your water before using it for drinking, cooking or washing your dishes. This will allow any standing water in your pipes to flush out before you use it.

• Use cold water - Hot water from the tap can contain higher levels of lead in it. For drinking or cooking, use cold water when possible.

• Get a water filter and use it properly - Chicago offers free water filters if you have a lead service line and qualify. These water filters will specifically remove lead from your water. Many filters on the market are not equipped to remove lead, and boiling water will not remove lead from your water. Apply for a water filter here.

SDG 6: Linking Local to Global 

Chicago's efforts to tackle the lead service line issue are a local example of progress towards UN Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. Some specific targets involved are:

Target 6.1 Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all

By eventually removing hundreds of thousands of lead service lines, Chicago is directly improving access to safe, clean, drinking water and keeping equity at the center of their efforts.

Target 6.3 Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing the release of hazardous chemicals and materials

Each lead pipe removed permanently eliminates a source of contamination within the water delivery system. This not only protects household taps but also strengthens the overall integrity and quality of Chicago's water network. The city's investment in proactive replacement, rather than reactive repair, aligns with SDG 6's emphasis on preventing pollution at the source.

Target 6.b Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management

Chicago's approach includes outreach and equity-based programs that ensure residents are informed and involved. By prioritizing communities historically burdened by infrastructure inequities, Chicago is demonstrating how SDG 6 can be achieved through inclusive implementation.

Chicago's challenge with lead service lines is massive, both in terms of the number of lines and the financial, logistical, and equity issues involved. The city is working diligently but it will be many years before the full issue is addressed. In the meantime, residents can take advantage of the programs that the city offers, like free testing and water filters. Chicago's lead service line replacement effort brings the city closer to realizing the vision of SDG 6, ensuring that everyone has access to safe, reliable and equitable drinking water.