Lead Service Lines in Libertyville, IL
Libertyville serves approximately 98,444 people across 19 water systems. If you're concerned about lead in your drinking water, this page explains what we know and what you can do.
What we know about lead in Libertyville
Lead enters drinking water primarily through lead service lines—the pipes that connect the water main in the street to your home. Lead can also leach from brass fittings and solder in plumbing.
Currently, no confirmed lead service lines have been reported in Libertyville's public water systems. However, this doesn't mean lead pipes don't exist here—it means utilities have not yet completed a full inventory of all service lines. Many systems are still in the process of identifying which homes have lead pipes.
Your water may still contain lead even if your service line is not made of lead. Old fixtures, solder, or brass components can be sources. The only way to know for sure is testing.
The major water systems serving Libertyville
The five largest utilities in this area are:
- Vernon Hills - Lake County Public Works (33,207 people)
- Libertyville (20,500 people)
- Wildwood Subdivision - Lake County Public Works (14,832 people)
- Advocate Christ Medical Center (10,000 people)
- Grandwood Park Subdivision - Lake County Public Works (5,751 people)
What you should do right now
Test your water. This is the most direct way to know if lead is present in your home. The EPA recommends testing the first draw (water that has sat in pipes overnight) and a flushed sample.
Contact your water utility. Ask whether your service line is lead or galvanized steel, and request a copy of their lead service line inventory. They are required by federal law to maintain this information and share it with customers.
Use a filter if needed. NSF-certified filters (look for NSF 53 certification) can reduce lead in drinking water. This is a temporary measure while you investigate your service line.
Check your fixture age. If your home was built before 1986, brass fittings and solder may contain lead. Replacing old plumbing is more expensive than filtering, but it's a permanent solution.
Next steps for residents
- Contact your utility to ask about your service line material and request their lead inventory report
- Test your tap water through a certified lab (Illinois Department of Public Health maintains a list)
- If testing shows lead, install a certified filter or replace fixtures with lead-free alternatives
- For health concerns, especially if children under 6 live in your home, consult your pediatrician or the CDC
```json [ { "q": "How do I know if my house has a lead service line?", "a": "Contact your water utility and ask directly—they are required to know and tell you. You can also have a plumber inspect the service line, or dig up a small section where it enters your home to check the pipe material. Lead is soft and gray; copper is reddish; steel is silver." }, { "q": "Is Libertyville water safe to drink?", "a": "Libertyville's water meets federal safety standards, but lead can still enter your home through old pipes and fixtures. The best way to know if your water contains lead is to test it—your utility and local health department can direct you to certified labs." }, { "q": "What does a lead service line look like?", "a": "Lead is a soft, dull gray metal. If you can see the service line where it enters your home, a magnet won't stick to lead (but will stick to steel). A plumber can identify it with certainty." }, { "q": "Can I remove a lead service line myself?", "a": "No. Lead service