Illinois law requires community water systems to identify lead service lines, develop replacement plans, notify affected property owners and occupants during certain work, and move toward complete replacement of lead-containing service lines. The law also generally prohibits partial lead service line replacement, with limited exceptions for emergencies and other specific circumstances.
When a community water supply replaces a lead service line, Illinois law generally requires replacement of the service line in its entirety, including portions on private property and the portion extending into the building to the first shutoff valve. Partial lead service line replacements are expressly prohibited except for specific statutory exceptions.
Since January 1, 2022, when a community water supply replaces a water main, it must identify lead service lines connected to that main and replace the lead portions in conjunction with the water-main project, subject to access and other statutory requirements.
This is important for homeowners because a property may receive full lead service replacement as part of a larger municipal water-main project rather than through a homeowner-initiated project.
If a building owner intends to replace a portion of a lead service line — or certain galvanized service lines associated with lead piping — Illinois law generally requires notice to the community water supply at least 45 days before the work begins. Emergency work is treated differently.
Do not just hire someone and start digging without contacting the municipality first.
Illinois law allows limited exceptions when an emergency prevents immediate full replacement. When an emergency repair results in a partial replacement of lead or qualifying galvanized service piping, additional notice, filtering, and follow-up replacement requirements apply.
Affected owners and residents must receive information about the repair and potential lead exposure.
Certain emergency situations require filters certified for lead and particulate reduction.
The remaining lead service line generally must be replaced within the statutory timeframe, subject to limited extensions for weather or circumstances beyond reasonable control.
Illinois law requires community water supplies to develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive water service-line material inventories and lead service line replacement plans.
Tell us your property address and municipality. We can help review available service-line information, local replacement programs, reimbursement requirements, and the steps that should be completed before work begins.