Tag Archives: lead water line replacement chicago

Nov '24

Ensuring Safe Drinking Water: A Guide to Replacing Your Lead Water Line in Chicago

Lead water lines have been banned in the United States for the last 38 years. The law, which came into effect in 1986, only prohibited the use of lead pipes in new water line installations; it allowed existing lead service lines to remain.

However, since 1986, US States and cities have been steadily enforcing the replacement of lead pipes in public and private water lines. However, Ratner Maintenance says, one city has been very slow in implementing this ban; as of 2022, Chicago had the most lead water pipes of any US city.

All that changed in January 2023 following the announcement of a new state law that mandated the replacement of all lead service lines (public and private) in Chicago. By current estimates, approximately 400,000 homes will be affected by this new law.

As the possible owner of one of these homes, what do you need to know about how to replace a lead water line in your home? In this concise post, we explain the dangers of lead water lines, how to identify if you have lead pipes and the steps to replace the pipes.

The dangers of lead water lines

The main danger of having lead water lines in your home is that lead leaches into your drinking water. Lead, a heavy metal, is classed as a neurotoxin; it affects nervous tissues in the human body. If the level of lead in water is higher than 15ppb (parts per billion), it can cause the following:

Delayed development and brain damage in young children.
Lower IQ and poor academic performance.
A higher risk of behavioral problems as well as ADHD.
Susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases and hypertension in adulthood.

If your home was built after 1988 and the water connection was installed during construction, it is uncertain that you have a lead service line.

Do you have lead water lines in your home?

If your home was built after 1988 and the water connection was installed during construction, it is uncertain that you have a lead service line. However, if your home was built after 1988 but the water service line was installed before 1988, it probably has lead pipes.

If you are unsure, there is a simple way to check. For this step, you need a flathead screwdriver and a magnet. You also need to know the location of the water service line coming into your home (typically found in the basement). You don’t need to do this test if your pipe is plastic, not metal.

Follow these steps to check if you have a lead service line:

Choose an area between the point where the pipe enters your home and the inlet valve.
If the pipe is wrapped or covered, expose a small part of it.
Scratch the body of the pipe until you see the metal under the coating.
If the scraped area is copper-color (like a penny) and the magnet doesn’t stick to the line, your service line is copper.
If the scraped area is silver or gray and the magnet sticks to it, you have galvanized steel pipes.
If the scarped surface is silver or gray and the magnet doesn’t stick to it, you have lead pipes.

To be sure, you may want a professional plumber to look at the pipes and test your water.

Replacing the lead water service line in your Chicago home

Replacing a lead water service line is a labor-intensive process that involves extensive excavation. It is not a job you can DIY. A trench is carefully dug from your home to the point where the service line connects to the water main to access the line and retrieve it.

Your home may qualify for the city’s Equity Lead Service Line Replacement Program if it meets the requirements. To be eligible for this program, you must:

Have a household income below 80% of the median income for your area (usually $72,800 for a family of 4).
Present water test results for your home consistently showing lead levels of at least 15 parts per billion. These tests are done free by the Department of Water Management.

Replacing the lead pipes on your property begins with interviewing and selecting a qualified contractor. Only work with plumbers from the city’s list of licensed plumbers. The contractor you choose for this job is essential for several reasons.

The contractor is responsible for ensuring you get permit waivers from the Department of Buildings for this project. An experienced plumber will also work with you to review the entire water line replacement and installation process, along with the scope and timelines.

These steps help you save money and time by ensuring the work is done efficiently with minimal disruption to your household and limited damage to your landscaping. Most importantly, it guarantees the smooth operation and longevity of your newly installed water line.

Feb '24

Uncovering the Silent Threat: The Hazards of Lead Pipes in Chicago’s Water Supply

The Silent Danger Lurking in Chicago’s Water Supply

Chicago, known as the Windy City, is home to a vibrant population of over 2.7 million people. As these residents go about their daily lives, there is an invisible threat silently making its way into their homes – lead pipes.

Lead pipes are a common feature in many older cities across the United States, including Chicago. These pipes were widely used in the early 20th century due to their durability and affordability. However, the detrimental effects of lead on human health have long been known, and yet, thousands of Chicagoans continue to be exposed to this hazardous substance through their water supply.

The Lingering Dangers of Lead

Lead is a toxic metal that can cause serious health issues, especially in children and pregnant women. When lead pipes corrode over time, lead particles can leach into the water flowing through them. This contaminated water can then be consumed and absorbed by the human body, leading to health problems such as:

Developmental delays in children
Learning difficulties
Behavioral problems
Lowered IQ
Increased risk of hypertension
Kidney damage

Unfortunately, these health risks are often invisible and can take years to manifest, making the impact of lead exposure difficult to detect or link directly to water consumption.

Several factors contribute to the persistence of lead pipes in Chicago’s water supply. One key reason is the sheer age of the city’s infrastructure.

Unveiling the Scope of the Problem

While Chicago’s water supply is regulated and monitored to ensure public safety, the presence of lead pipes remains a significant concern. According to a recent report by the Chicago Tribune, an estimated 400,000 homes in the city still rely on lead service lines to deliver water.

Furthermore, the issue of lead contamination is not evenly distributed across the city. Low-income neighborhoods and communities of color tend to be disproportionately affected, exacerbating existing health disparities and inequalities.

A Deep Dive into the Causes

Several factors contribute to the persistence of lead pipes in Chicago’s water supply. One key reason is the sheer age of the city’s infrastructure. Many of the water systems were built decades ago, and replacing all the lead pipes is a monumental task that requires significant financial resources and coordination.

Another contributing factor is a lack of awareness among homeowners. Many residents are unaware that their homes contain lead pipes or that they can request a free water test kit from the city to assess the quality of their tap water.

Taking Action: Chicago’s Response

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, city authorities have taken steps to address the issue of lead pipes in Chicago’s water supply. The Chicago Department of Water Management has implemented a comprehensive plan to gradually replace all lead service lines across the city.

Additionally, the city has launched educational campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of lead exposure and the importance of getting water tested. These efforts aim to empower residents with knowledge and equip them with the tools to protect themselves and their families.

Your Role in Protecting Your Health

While the city is making strides towards eliminating lead pipes, individual actions are also crucial in safeguarding public health. Here are some steps you can take:

Get your water tested: Request a free water test kit from the city and have your tap water analyzed for lead. This will provide valuable insights into the safety of your water supply.
Use a water filter: Install a certified lead-filtering device on your faucet or use a filter pitcher to remove any potential lead particles from your drinking water.
Flush your taps: In the morning or after a period of non-use, run your taps for a few minutes to flush out any stagnant water that may have accumulated lead particles.
Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest information and updates from the city regarding lead water line replacement service initiatives and water quality.

A Collective Effort for a Safer Future

Eliminating lead pipes from Chicago’s water supply is a complex and ongoing process that requires the collaboration and commitment of multiple stakeholders – city officials, residents, and advocacy groups. By working together, we can ensure that access to clean and safe water is a fundamental right for all Chicagoans.

Let us not allow the silent threat of lead pipes to persist in our communities. Take action, spread awareness, and join the movement for a healthier, lead-free Chicago.

Feb '22

Replacing Your Lead Water Service Line in Chicago

In 2021, the city of Chicago has initiated a program called the Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) plan designed to fast track the replacement of the city’s nearly 400,000 lead service lines. If you are a homeowner in Chicago, you need to know what this program is about and how to take advantage of incentives being offered by the city to replace your lead service line. Same goes for landlords and property owners, says EvolveNV.

What is the Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) plan?

A service line is a pipe that carries water from the city’s main water supply in the street to your home. The pipe runs underground from your home, across the lawn, and underneath the city sidewalk until it reaches the water main below the street.

Why does the city want you to replace your service line?

Only service lines made of lead are being replaced. This is because of the health hazard posed by exposure to the lead in these pipes. Even the lowest level of lead exposure has been shown to adversely affect the IQ of children and their attention spans.

Although most lead poisoning happens via contact with lead-based paint or lead-contaminated dust, lead may also leach into drinking water from the lead service line. Since there is no identified safe level for lead exposure, the best way to prevent this issue is to replace the lead water lines on your Chicago property.

How will you know if you have a lead service line?

If your house or two-flat building was built before 1986 and the water service has never been replaced during renovation, there is a big chance the water service line is made of lead. If you are not sure, here is a simple test to identify the material in your water service line.

Step one: Locate the water meter or shutoff valve in your home. The service line typically enters through the basement before it connects to the meter. If you can’t find the meter, use the shutoff valve.
Step two: Hold a magnet to the pipe to check if it is magnetic.
Step three: Scratch the pipe with a coin or key to see the color of the material.

The pipe should be made of one of these materials:

Copper: Copper is not magnetic. It has a shiny orange appearance and is quite common in Chicago.
Galvanized steel: Steel is magnetic. It is silver-gray and is no longer used in new construction.
Lead: Lead is not magnetic. It has a shiny silver-gray color and is not used in new construction.
PVC: PVC plastic is not magnetic. It is typically white and is rarely used in Chicago.

What does replacing a water service line entail?

Replacing the water service line is a labor-intensive process that involves digging a trench from your home to the street, up to the point where the service line connects to the water main. After the trench is dug, the old lead line is replaced with a new copper service line. A water meter is also installed to help you save money on any spiking water bills.

a water lead line replacement taking place in chicago.

Replacing the water service line is a labor-intensive process that involves digging a trench from your home to the street, up to the point where the service line connects to the water main.

Will the City of Chicago help with your lead service line replacement?

To assist as many homeowners as possible with their lead service line replacement, the city of Chicago is accepting applications for the Equity Lead Service Line Replacement Program. Under the program, homeowners are eligible for free lead service line replacement plus a free water meter, if:

They live in a home they own.

Have a child under 18 years old living in the home, or

Their water has elevated lead level as shown by a free test by the Department of Water Management, and

The household income is 80% below the area median income, which is $74,550 for a family of 4.

But for homeowners who do not meet the criteria, the city still offers incentives. These are for homeowners who hire a private contractor to replace their lead service line and the incentives are available in the form of waivers and freebies. Commercial and mixed-use residential/commercial properties are not eligible for this. Here is how it works.

The homeowner will pay for the lead service line replacement (LSLR).

The city will subsidize the standard permits, allowing homeowners to save as much as $3,100.

The city will attach the new service line to the water main free of charge and provide a free water meter for the home (if there is none).

But to qualify, this must be a standalone project, and not part of a home renovation or expansion. Additionally, the contractor must be licensed.

When selecting a contractor for LSLR, homeowners are encouraged to follow the below process:

Contact three licensed Chicago plumbers to request quotes and qualifications information.

The plumber should visit the home to confirm service line material and other details.

The plumber should have an Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Plumbing Contractor License Number and must be on the list of City of Chicago-Licensed Plumbing Contractors.

The plumber should be able to provide a list of 3-5 addresses where they have acquired a City of Chicago Department of Buildings permit for residential LSLR (with details of those projects).

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