CICERO Lead Service Line Inventory

CICERO serves about 83,000 people in Illinois and draws its water from surface sources. Like most water systems in the US, CICERO is required by federal law to maintain an inventory of lead service lines—the pipes that carry water from the main water line to individual homes.

What we know about CICERO's lead service lines

CICERO has not yet reported detailed information about its lead service line inventory to the public database. This means we don't have confirmed numbers on how many lead lines, galvanized lines, or non-lead lines are in the system.

This is not unusual. Many smaller to mid-sized water systems are still completing their inventories or are in the process of organizing and verifying data. The federal deadline for most systems to finish their inventories was October 2024, though some systems have been granted extensions.

Why this matters for residents

Even if you don't see detailed numbers here, lead service lines are a real health concern. Lead can leach into drinking water, especially in older homes or when water sits in pipes overnight. Infants and young children are at highest risk of harm from even low levels of lead exposure.

What you can do now

Contact CICERO directly. Call or email your water utility and ask:

• Whether your address has a lead service line
• What the current status of their lead service line inventory is
• Whether they have a replacement program, and if you qualify
• If they don't have specific information yet, ask when they expect to release it

Most utilities can look up your property in their records, even if the full inventory isn't public yet.

Get your water tested. A simple test (usually free or low-cost from your utility) will tell you if lead is actually in your tap water. Testing is especially important if you have young children or are pregnant.

Consider interim steps while you wait for a replacement. These include flushing your lines, using a filter certified for lead removal, or using bottled water for drinking and cooking. The CDC has guidance on all of these options.

Next steps for residents

• Contact CICERO's water department directly with questions about your specific address
• Request a free water lead test from your utility
• Ask about their lead service line replacement program and any available assistance
• Visit the CDC's lead in drinking water page for health information

```json [ { "q": "How do I know if I have a lead service line?", "a": "The only sure way is to contact your water utility and ask. They can check your property records. You can also look at the pipe where it enters your home—lead is soft, dull gray, and can be scratched with a coin. Copper is reddish-brown, and galvanized steel is silver with a diamond pattern." }, { "q": "Is my water safe to drink if I have a lead service line?", "a": "Not necessarily—lead can leach into water, but not always. The only way to know is to have your water tested. Your utility can provide a free test kit. Water pH, temperature, and age of the line all affect whether lead ends up in your water." }, { "q": "What should I do about lead in my water right now?", "a": "Start by testing your water and asking your utility if you have a lead line. While you work on a long-term solution, flushing your tap for 30 seconds before drinking, using a lead-removal filter, or using bottled water for cooking and drinking are interim steps. Talk to your doctor if you're concerned about health effects." }, { "q": "When will CICERO replace lead service lines?", "a": "That depends on funding and the utility's plan. Contact CICERO directly to ask about their replacement timeline and whether you're eligible for assistance. Many states and water systems now have grants or low-interest