LeadPipeLookup

State overview

Lead service lines in Illinois

Aggregated lead pipe inventory data for all 4,691 public water systems in Illinois, serving approximately 12,575,734 residents.

Last verified from EPA SDWIS: 2026-04-14
Water systems
4,691
Population served
12,575,734
Known lead lines
0
Unknown material
0

Lead Service Lines in Illinois

Illinois serves about 12.6 million people through 4,691 water systems. Right now, the state has not publicly reported counts of known lead service lines, galvanized lines, or unknown service line materials in its inventory data.

This doesn't mean lead service lines don't exist in Illinois—they may. Older cities and towns built before the 1950s are more likely to have them. It means either testing is still underway, or results haven't been compiled into a public report yet.

What you need to know

Lead service lines are a real but manageable concern. A lead service line is the pipe that carries water from the street main into your home. If yours is made of lead, water can pick up lead as it travels through, especially if water sits in the pipe overnight or if your plumbing has corrosion.

Your risk depends on three things:

  • Whether your service line is actually lead
  • Your water utility's corrosion control practices
  • How long water sits in your pipes before you use it

Illinois utilities are required to test and report. Under federal law, water systems must identify and inventory their service lines by 2025. Most utilities in Illinois are in that process now. If you haven't heard from yours yet, you will.

Your water utility's status

The largest systems serving Illinois residents include:

  • Chicago (2.7 million people)
  • Aurora (183,000 people)
  • Joliet (160,000 people)
  • Naperville (156,406 people)
  • Illinois American–Champaign (150,000 people)
  • Rockford (147,051 people)

None of these utilities have reported final lead service line counts yet. Inventory work is ongoing.

Next steps for residents

  • Contact your water utility and ask: "Do you have a record of my service line material?" Many utilities can answer this based on historical records or recent testing.
  • Get your water tested if you want to know lead levels in your home right now. A simple test kit is available through your utility or an accredited lab.
  • Use the CDC's prevention steps while you wait: run cold water from the tap for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking, don't boil water to remove lead, and flush your ice maker if you have one.
  • Check back here or with your utility for updated inventory data as 2025 approaches.

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Largest public water systems in Illinois

UtilityPWSIDPopulationKnown leadUnknown
CHICAGOIL03160002,746,388——
AURORAIL0894070183,000——
JOLIETIL1970450160,000——
NAPERVILLEIL0434670156,406——
IL AMERICAN-CHAMPAIGNIL0195300150,000——
ROCKFORDIL2010300147,051——
IL AMERICAN-PEORIAIL1435030137,575——
IL AMERICAN-EAST ST LOUISIL1635040131,368——
SPRINGFIELDIL1671200117,444——
ELGINIL0894380114,797——
WAUKEGANIL097190087,149——
CICEROIL031051083,000——
AQUA ILLINOIS-KANKAKEEIL091503080,000——
BLOOMINGTONIL113020077,610——
DECATURIL115015076,122——
SCHAUMBURGIL031489075,750——
EVANSTONIL031081074,486——
IL AMERICAN-WEST SUBURBANIL197415173,978——
ARLINGTON HEIGHTSIL031403073,320——
PALATINEIL031234070,875——
SKOKIEIL031288066,422——
DES PLAINESIL031063060,675——
OAK LAWNIL031222058,362——
ORLAND PARKIL031231058,020——
BERWYNIL031021057,250——

Cities in Illinois

More on lead pipes in Illinois

Frequently asked about lead pipes in Illinois

How do I know if my house has a lead service line in Illinois?

Call your water utility's customer service and ask if they have a record of your service line material. Many utilities have mapped this information in recent years. You can also dig up a small section of the pipe where it enters your home and check if it's soft gray metal—lead is distinctive—but calling first is faster and easier.

Is my tap water safe if I have a lead service line?

It depends. Lead enters water mainly during long periods of stagnation. Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking, don't boil tap water, and avoid hot tap water for drinking. If you're concerned, get a simple test done through your utility or a lab—it costs $20–50 and gives you a real answer for your home.

When will Illinois tell me if my water system has lead lines?

Federal law requires utilities to complete lead service line inventories by October 2025. You should hear from your water utility before then with either your home's status or a general report about your system. Contact them now if you want to know sooner.

What should I do if I find out I have a lead service line?

Talk to your water utility about replacement options and any financial assistance programs. In the meantime, follow lead reduction steps: use cold water for drinking and cooking, run the tap 30 seconds before use, and consider a point-of-use filter certified for lead removal (like NSF 53). The CDC has detailed guidance for families.