Take the First Step to ‘Get the Lead Out’

As Skokie and communities throughout Illinois undertake a multi-decade effort to remove all lead water services from the water distribution system, the Village is calling on residents to report their home’s water service line material if they have not done so already.

The State’s Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act, effective January 2022, requires water suppliers to inventory lead service lines and develop plans for replacement. The Village proactively began inventorying lead service lines in Skokie in 2016, and estimates that there are more than 10,000 in need of replacement. Having an accurate and complete inventory will help the Village plan for the efficient and cost-effective replacement of these services in the years ahead, and support opportunities to secure grant funding.

In Fiscal Year 2024, the Village replaced 149 lead service lines, and estimates approximately 200 will be replaced in Fiscal Year 2025.

What are water service lines? Water service lines are small-diameter pipes that bring water from the water main under the street to a home or business, and were commonly constructed of lead until 1986.

Why are lead water services being removed? Elevated levels of lead can be hazardous, especially for pregnant women and young children. Skokie’s water is treated with a blended polyphosphate to prevent copper and lead contamination, but lead can still enter drinking water as a result of corrosion of materials containing lead.

How do I identify my water service line material? The Village provides instructions to help you identify your water service material – typically lead or copper – at skokie.org/lead

• A common characteristic of a lead water service line is a bulge where the lead pipe connects to a valve or fitting.

• Take a coin and scratch the pipe between the area where it comes into the home and the inlet valve. If the area scratched is a shiny silver color, it is lead.

How do I report my water service line material? Complete the inventory form at skokie.org/lead or call 847-933-8427. The Village maintains an interactive map, which is periodically updated with the latest reported data. (Note: If you review the inventory and discover that your service line material has already been identified, no further action is necessary.)

How can I minimize the risk of exposure if I have a lead water service? If your water service has been idle for several hours, flush your tap for 30 seconds to two minutes before using water for drinking of cooking. You may also have your water tested for lead. More information is available by calling the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 or at epa.gov/safewater/lead

When will my lead service line be replaced? Removing all lead water services is anticipated to take several decades.

• The Village has launched a cost share program, which currently caps residents’ cost at $3,000 for private-side lead water service replacement. At this time, the cost share program only applies when a scheduled public water main or lead service line replacement project impacts the property, or if a leak develops requiring repair. The Village will contact you to let you know if and when you’re eligible for this program – there is no need to proactively contact the Village to indicate your interest.

• You may also elect to contract with a private company and pay the full cost of replacement of the private side of the service (parkway to meter), typically $6,000 or more. Once the Village is notified that a partial replacement has occurred, the Water & Sewer Division or its contractor will replace the remaining public portion within 30 days

View the Village’s 2023 Water Quality Report

The Village is pleased to report that Skokie drinking water meets all Environmental Protection Agency requirements. View the 2023 Water Quality Report at skokie. org/2023waterreport. For more information or to receive a paper copy of the report, call the Environmental Health Division at 847-933-8484, email info@skokie. org, or visit skokie.org/lead.