Elgin Leads the Way in Lead Pipe Replacement, Positioned to Meet New EPA Standards

Elgin, IL - The City of Elgin is ahead of the curve in addressing lead service line replacement as the Biden-Harris Administration today announced the final Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), which mandates that starting in 2027, all lead service lines be identified and replaced within 10 years. Thanks to Elgin's early action, the city is on target to meet this new federal requirement of 2037, having already removed 2,133 lead service lines since 2018, at no cost to the homeowner.

The EPA's new rule emphasizes the importance of eliminating lead exposure from drinking water systems, recognizing that no amount of lead is safe, particularly for children. While Elgin's drinking water is lead-free, about 11,000 of the city's 34,000 households are served by legacy lead water service pipes. In previous decades, lead was commonly used in water service lines by the plumbing and construction industries, but current science emphasizes that even trace amounts of lead in drinking water can pose serious health risks.

Elgin began tackling this issue proactively in 2018 when it predicted upcoming changes in the regulatory environment governing lead pipes and started its $150 million commitment to replace every lead service line-two years before state legislation required municipalities to do the same.

In September, Elgin announced a partnership with the EPA's "Get the Lead Out" initiative to help identify and replace lead service lines, accelerate the replacement process, and promote lead service line education through increased community engagement.

In addition to the city's ongoing efforts, U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, in July of this year, secured nearly $1 million in federal Community Project Funding, enabling the city to replace lead water lines in approximately 70 high-risk households. Earlier in 2024, the city also received $1.5 million in state capital funding through State Sen. Cristina Castro and $500,000 through State Rep. Anna Moeller. These funds are critical as the city continues to prioritize lead service line removal for households with the greatest need, especially those in Elgin's oldest neighborhoods, where many at-risk families reside.

The EPA estimates that nationwide, up to 9 million homes are served by lead pipes, disproportionately affecting low-income and minority communities. Elgin's commitment to removing lead lines aligns with the EPA's focus on environmental justice and public health. With continued federal, state, and local funding, the city is confident it will complete its lead service line replacements within the 10-year federal requirement, making sure all households can access safe, lead-free drinking water.

For more information on Elgin's lead service line replacement program visit ElginIL.gov/lead.

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Media Contact:
Jeff Knox
Director of Communications and Engagement
City of Elgin
[email protected]
224-407-0293

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