Lead pipes in Cook County, Illinois

Free replacement program confirmed

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.

Confirmed programs in Cook County

• Chicago: Free for income-qualified homeowners.
• Cicero: Town projects; required on sale or remodel.
• Berwyn: Free in 2026 priority areas.
• Evanston: Free in the annual program.
• Oak Park: Income-qualified help and low-interest loans.
• Skokie: Owner pays a fixed share (about $3,100).
• Evergreen Park: Village pays about 80%; 0% loan for the rest.
• Maywood: EPA Get the Lead Out partner.
• Calumet City: Free, main to meter.
• Arlington Heights: 50% up to $2,500.
• Homewood: Phase one 2026, state-funded.
• La Grange: Village pays main to curb box; owner may pay the rest.
• Morton Grove: Permit fee waived; village restores the right-of-way.
• Des Plaines: Replacement plan filed; owner terms pending.
• Oak Lawn: State-loan-funded village project.
• Forest Park: Free while funded (right-of-entry form).
• Wilmette: Village program; about 2,200 lines by 2044.
• Brookfield: Village pays public side; private reimbursement ending.
• River Grove: Rate-funded program; 1,881 lines.
• South Holland: Free for confirmed lead lines.
• Riverside: Village schedule; reimbursement for early replacement.
• Lincolnwood: Rebate program; SRF-funded project.
• Winnetka: 50% back, up to $5,000.
• North Maine (Cook County) (Aqua Illinois): No direct cost.

Every Cook County water system with lead lines

Systems are grouped by the county EPA lists as their main service area. Some serve towns in neighboring counties too.

Systems over the new 10 ppb lead action level

Calumet City (11 ppb, 2026-01 to 2026-06); Homewood (12.4 ppb, 2026-01 to 2026-06); Morton Grove (17.4 ppb, 2026-01 to 2026-06); Brookfield (10.4 ppb, 2026-01 to 2026-12); Burnham (13.7 ppb, 2026-01 to 2026-06); Northbrook (11 ppb, 2026-01 to 2026-06); Northfield (21 ppb, 2026-01 to 2026-06); Bartlett (20 ppb, 2026-01 to 2026-06); Lemont (25 ppb, 2026-01 to 2026-06). See all systems over 10 ppb.

Get lead line replacement quotes in Cook County

Compare prices from licensed local plumbers who replace water service lines. Useful if your utility's program doesn't cover you, has a long wait, or you need the work done sooner.

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Name ZIP code Phone Email Line materialLeadGalvanized steelNot sureLeaking or broken line I am theOwnerLandlordRenter

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Common questions

How many lead pipes are in Cook County, IL?

Water systems based in Cook County reported 493,077 lead service lines, 15,966 galvanized lines that need replacing and 135,995 lines of unknown material to EPA (Q3 2026). Chicago has the most, with 360,857 lead and galvanized lines.

Who pays to replace lead service lines in Cook County?

It depends on your water utility. Illinois was one of the first states to require full replacement of every lead service line. We have confirmed programs for 24 Cook County utilities, listed on this page.

How do I find out if my house has a lead service line?

Look up your address on your water utility's service line inventory map, or check the pipe where it enters your home: lead is dull gray, soft, scratches to shiny silver, and a magnet won't stick. See our step-by-step guide.

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