Chicago Lead Service Line Replacement Program
Chicago serves about 2,721,308 people and reported 350,531 lead and 10,326 galvanized service lines that must be replaced, out of 486,450 lines, in EPA's Q3 2026 inventory, plus 39,427 lines of unknown material. Here's who pays to replace yours, what it costs, and how to sign up.
Free for income-qualified homeowners
Chicago's Equity Lead Service Line Replacement program replaces the line free for income-qualified homeowners. Other owners can use the homeowner-initiated option, which waives city permit fees, but they hire and pay their own contractor.
How to get it
- Apply at leadsafechicago.org or call 311.
- Ask about the Equity program if your household meets the income limits.
- If you hire your own contractor, ask the city about the permit fee waiver first.
Sources: abc7chicago.com, news.wttw.com
Lead lines in Chicago
The most recent 90th-percentile lead result EPA lists for this system is 6.4 parts per billion (2026-01 to 2026-06). Under the new federal rule, the action level drops to 10 ppb in 2027. Galvanized lines count if they ever sat downstream of a lead pipe, because they can hold lead particles. Unknown lines must be identified by the utility, and many turn out to be lead.
How Chicago compares: it ranks #1 of 7,556 U.S. water systems and #1 of 397 in Illinois for lead and galvanized lines. 74.2% of its service lines need replacing, compared with 23.8% across Illinois. See the national ranking.
Source: EPA SDWIS Service Line Inventory, Q3 2026 · Utility phone: 312-744-7001 · PWSID IL0316000
Chicago lead service line map: check your address
Every water utility had to publish an inventory of its service lines, and most offer an address lookup map. Start with Chicago's official lead program page, which links to its lookup or explains how to get your line checked. The status will be lead, galvanized requiring replacement, non-lead or unknown. If it's unknown, you can usually check the pipe yourself and send the utility a photo.
Communities and ZIP codes served
ZIP codes: 60018, 60601, 60602, 60603, 60604, 60605, 60606, 60607, 60608, 60609, 60610, 60611, 60612, 60613, 60614, 60615, 60616, 60617, 60618, 60619, 60620, 60621, 60622, 60623, 60624, 60625, 60626, 60628, 60629, 60630, 60631, 60632, 60633, 60634, 60636, 60637, 60638, 60639, 60640, 60641
Who pays in Illinois?
Illinois was one of the first states to require full replacement of every lead service line. Each water supply must file a final replacement plan by April 15, 2027, then replace a set share of its lead lines every year, on a timeline of 15 to 50 years depending on how many it has. A utility may bill the owner for the private side only if it is not using state or federal money for that work, and an owner can sign a waiver to decline private-side replacement. Illinois EPA lends to water systems and forgives part of the loan in lower-income communities, which is why many Illinois programs are free.
The law: Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act (415 ILCS 5/17.12). Mandatory? Yes. Illinois requires every community water supply to replace all lead service lines, and partial replacements have been banned since January 1, 2022. Funding: Illinois EPA Public Water Supply Loan Program (with principal forgiveness for disadvantaged communities).
Sources: news.wttw.com, agendadocs.downers.us
Nationwide, EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require most utilities to replace every lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement line by December 31, 2037, starting November 1, 2027. Utilities must mail a notice every year to each home with a lead, galvanized or unknown line. See the federal timeline.
What would you pay?
Many utility loans are 0% (enter 0). Private loans run higher. Your real price depends on how far the house sits from the street, digging versus trenchless methods, permits and restoration. This is an estimate, not a quote.
The calculator starts at 0% because Chicago's program is free only for eligible owners. If you qualify, set "Utility pays" to 100%.
Not covered, or can't wait?
Get up to 3 quotes from licensed plumbers who replace service lines in Chicago.
Common questions
Is lead service line replacement free in Chicago?
Free if eligible. Chicago's Equity Lead Service Line Replacement program replaces the line free for income-qualified homeowners.
Is lead service line replacement mandatory in Chicago?
Yes. Illinois requires every community water supply to replace all lead service lines, and partial replacements have been banned since January 1, 2022.
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line in Chicago?
If you qualify for Chicago's program, the private side costs you nothing. Most private-side replacements cost about $4,000 to $10,000, and long or difficult lines can run higher. Price depends on the distance from the street to your house, whether the contractor digs a trench or pulls the new pipe through (trenchless), permits, and restoring your lawn, sidewalk or basement wall. That's what you'd pay if you replace it on your own or don't qualify.
How do I know if my home has a lead service line?
Look up your address on Chicago's service line inventory or check the letter it mailed you. You can also check the pipe where it enters your basement, usually near the meter: lead is dull gray, soft, and turns shiny silver when you scratch it with a key, and a magnet won't stick. Galvanized steel is gray too, but a magnet sticks to it. See our step-by-step guide.
What if I can't afford to replace my lead line?
Ask Chicago about income-based help first; federal money often makes replacement free for low-income owners. Other options are utility payment plans, 0% city loans, state revolving fund programs, property tax assessments and home improvement loans. Our guide on paying for replacement lists them.
Who owns the water service line?
In most U.S. cities the utility owns the pipe from the water main to the curb stop or property line, and the property owner owns the rest, into the house. Some utilities, including Minneapolis and many in St. Louis County, treat the whole line as the owner's. Federal rules now require utilities to replace the whole lead line, not just their part.
Other Illinois programs
Aurora ✓Rockford ✓Cicero ✓Peoria ✓Berwyn ✓Evanston ✓Elgin ✓Oak Park ✓Waukegan ✓Decatur ✓
Something out of date? Report a change. We recheck program terms at least once a year.