Lead Service Line Identification Initiative and Survey
*SINGLE FAMILY HOMES ONLY*
Effective January 1, 2022, the Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act (LSLRNA) (Public Act 102-0613) replaced the former lead materials inventory requirements found in the Illinois Environmental Protection Act at 415 ILCS 5/17/11.
The first purpose of the LSLRNA is to require owners and operators of community water supplies to develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive water service line material inventory and replacement plan. The lead service line replacement and notification requirements can be found at 415 ILCS 5/17.12. A well-developed materials inventory will allow communities to be able to prioritize and strategize the replacement of known lead service lines within their water distribution system.
What Is a Water Service Line and Who Owns It?
A water service line is the pipe that runs from the water main to a home or building’s internal plumbing. They are the pipes that carry water from the La Grange Highlands Sanitary District’s (the “District”) watermain in the street into homes and other buildings. In the District, the water service lines from the “B-Box” or curb stop in the front yard to the water meter in the house are owned by the individual property owners.
Lead Service Lines
The District’s water mains are lead-free. However, some homes may have a service line that is made of lead or lead components. One of the primary sources for lead in drinking water in our homes are lead service lines (LSLs). LSLs transport treated public water into our homes and may leach lead from pipes into your drinking water. Older homes, especially those built before 1986, are more likely to have lead service lines, fixtures, and solder.
Take Our Survey
We are surveying all homes built prior to 1986 to identify any existing lead service lines. Please complete this brief Water Service Line Material survey to determine the material composition of your water lines.
How Do I Check My Service Line’s Material?
To find out if you have a copper, lead, or galvanized steel service on your property, you (or your landlord) can perform a test on the water service line where it connects to the water meter to determine the material of the water service line on your property.
Steps to Check Your Service Line
Materials Needed: Key or coin, strong magnet
- Find the water meter on your property. This can be in a basement, garage, crawl space, exterior wall or other.
- Look for the pipe that comes through the wall of your home or foundation and connects to the meter.
- Utilize a key or coin to gently scratch the pipe. If the pipe is painted, use sandpaper to expose the metal first.
- Place the magnet on the pipe to see if it sticks to the pipe.
- Determine your pipe material and fill out the brief survey.
*If you need any assistance determining the material of your water pipe, please call the District to schedule an appointment at (708) 246-5657*
If your pipe is copper:
The pipe may appear dull brown on the outside but will be the color of a bright penny if gently scratched. Magnet won't stick.
IF YOUR PIPE IS LEAD:
The pipe will appear dull and soft but will turn a shiny silver color when scratched. Magnet won't stick.
IF YOUR PIPE IS GALVANIZED STEEL:
The scratched area will remain a dull gray. If you have a galvanized steel pipe, you may still have a lead gooseneck on your service line. Magnet will stick.
Questions?
Please contact the La Grange Highlands Sanitary District at (708) 246-5657.