Lead Service Lines in Evanston, Illinois
Evanston Water Department serves about 74,486 residents. Like many older cities in the Midwest, some homes here may have lead service lines—the pipes that connect your home to the water main under the street.
What we know about Evanston's lead pipes
As of now, Evanston has not yet completed or published a full lead service line inventory. This means the utility hasn't disclosed how many lead lines exist in the system, or which neighborhoods are most affected.
Without a public inventory, you won't be able to look up your address to confirm whether your home has a lead service line. However, this doesn't mean your water is unsafe to drink right now—most lead risk comes from older copper pipes that were soldered with lead, or from lead service lines themselves, and risk can be managed.
Why an inventory matters
The EPA now requires all water utilities to identify and map their lead service lines by 2026. A complete inventory helps:
- Homeowners know if they need to test their water or replace their service line
- The utility plan replacement programs and prioritize high-risk areas
- Public health officials target resources where they're needed most
What you can do now
Test your water. You don't need to wait for the inventory. Contact Evanston Water Department and ask for a free or low-cost lead test. A simple test of tap water will tell you if lead is actually present in your home—and how much.
Know your home's age. Lead service lines were most common in homes built before 1950, though they appear in some homes built into the 1970s. If your home was built in the 1980s or later, lead service lines are unlikely.
Request a service line inspection. Evanston Water Department can often tell you the material of your service line by checking their records, or by sending someone to look at the visible pipe where it enters your home.
Next steps for residents
- Call Evanston Water Department to ask about free lead testing for your home
- Ask if they have records of your service line material on file
- Check when your home was built—homes built before 1950 are higher risk
- If you have young children or are pregnant, discuss water safety with your pediatrician or doctor
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Evanston have lead in the water?
Evanston has not yet published a complete lead service line inventory, so the full scope is unknown. The best way to know if lead is in your specific home's water is to request a free test from Evanston Water Department.
How do I find out if my house has a lead service line?
Contact Evanston Water Department directly—they may have records of your service line material. Alternatively, you can ask for a visual inspection, or get your water tested to see if lead is actually present in your tap water.
Is lead in water dangerous?
Lead can be harmful, especially for young children and pregnant people. For health concerns, contact your pediatrician or the CDC. To reduce risk in your home, have your water tested and consider replacing a lead service line if one is confirmed.
When will Evanston finish its lead service line inventory?
The EPA requires all utilities to complete lead inventories by 2026. Contact Evanston Water Department for updates on their progress and timeline.