East Chicago Lead Service Line Replacement Program
East Chicago Water Works serves about 26,370 people and reported 1,732 lead and 2,157 galvanized service lines that must be replaced, out of 7,061 lines, in EPA's Q3 2026 inventory, plus 1,716 lines of unknown material. Here's who pays to replace yours, what it costs, and how to sign up.
2025-2026 block-by-block program
East Chicago is continuing its 2025-2026 Lead Service Line Replacement Program block by block, funded originally by a state grant that includes EPA money. The city stopped partial replacements in 2018 after resident complaints. Owner cost terms for the current phase aren't posted.
How to get it
- Call the East Chicago Water Department to ask whether your block is scheduled.
- Ask whether the private side is covered at no cost.
- Insist on full replacement, not partial.
Lead lines in East Chicago
The most recent 90th-percentile lead result EPA lists for this system is 8 parts per billion (2022-01 to 2024-12). 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 East Chicago compares: it ranks #130 of 7,556 U.S. water systems and #8 of 232 in Indiana for lead and galvanized lines. 55.1% of its service lines need replacing, compared with 11.7% across Indiana. See the national ranking.
Source: EPA SDWIS Service Line Inventory, Q3 2026 · Utility phone: 219-391-8469 · PWSID IN5245012
East 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 East Chicago Water Works'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.
Who pays in Indiana?
Indiana law lets utilities include the cost of replacing customer-owned lead service lines in rates, with approval from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. Citizens Energy in Indianapolis uses this to replace private lines with no extra charge beyond a monthly fee. Other Indiana cities rely on State Revolving Fund money and set their own terms.
The law: Ind. Code 8-1-31-6.6. Mandatory? No owner mandate; the federal rule requires replacement by 2037. Funding: Indiana Finance Authority State Revolving Fund.
Sources: codes.findlaw.com, in.gov
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.
Not covered, or can't wait?
Get up to 3 quotes from licensed plumbers who replace service lines in East Chicago.
Common questions
Is lead service line replacement free in East Chicago?
Possibly. East Chicago Water Works is replacing lead lines, but hasn't published what owners pay. East Chicago is continuing its 2025-2026 Lead Service Line Replacement Program block by block, funded originally by a state grant that includes EPA money.
Is lead service line replacement mandatory in East Chicago?
No owner mandate; the federal rule requires replacement by 2037.
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line in East Chicago?
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.
How do I know if my home has a lead service line?
Look up your address on East Chicago Water Works'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 East Chicago Water Works 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 Indiana programs
Indianapolis ✓South Bend ✓Hammond ✓Elkhart ✓Fort Wayne ✓Gary & Merrillville ✓Mishawaka ✓MarionLafayette ✓Kendallville
Something out of date? Report a change. We recheck program terms at least once a year.