Lead Service Line Inventory: Oak Lawn Water System
Oak Lawn Water System serves about 58,362 people in Illinois. Like many water utilities across the country, Oak Lawn has inventory data related to lead service lines—the pipes that may connect your home to the water main under the street.
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is the underground pipe that brings water from the public water main into your home. If your home was built or connected before the 1980s, there's a possibility your service line contains lead. Lead pipes and certain brass fittings can release lead into your drinking water, especially when water sits in pipes for hours (like overnight) or if your water's chemistry makes it more corrosive.
What Oak Lawn's inventory shows
Oak Lawn has not yet completed a comprehensive lead service line inventory. The utility's current records do not show a confirmed count of known lead, galvanized, or non-lead service lines in the system. This is not unusual—many utilities nationwide are still working through detailed inventories, which can take years to complete because it requires inspecting records and, in some cases, properties.
What you can do now
Don't wait for a complete inventory. If you're concerned about lead in your water:
- Test your water. A simple test costs $20–$50 and takes a few days. Contact Oak Lawn Water System to ask about testing programs or low-cost labs in your area.
- Ask your utility directly. Call or email Oak Lawn to find out if your specific address is known to have a lead service line. They may have older records even if the full inventory isn't public yet.
- Reduce exposure in the meantime. Run water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking if it's been sitting in pipes. Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water leaches more lead). These steps cost nothing and work immediately.
If you have young children or are pregnant, speak with your pediatrician or doctor about whether testing is right for you. The CDC offers guidance on lead and health at their website.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Oak Lawn Water System to ask about your service line and water testing options.
- If your home is older, consider an inexpensive water test from a certified lab.
- Use the simple habits above (flushing, using cold water) while you gather information.
- Ask your utility when they expect to complete their lead service line inventory.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Oak Lawn Water System have lead in the water?
Oak Lawn serves water from surface sources. The utility's inventory of lead service lines is not yet complete, so the total number of lead pipes in the system is unknown. Whether lead reaches your tap depends on whether your home's service line contains lead and your water's chemistry.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Contact Oak Lawn Water System directly with your address; they may have records. You can also hire a plumber to inspect the line where it enters your home, or test your water for lead. Homes built before the 1980s are more likely to have lead service lines.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Oak Lawn?
Oak Lawn's water is regularly tested and treated to meet federal safety standards. However, if your home has a lead service line or lead-containing plumbing, some lead may enter your water. Testing your water and using simple precautions (like flushing pipes) reduce risk.
What should I do if I'm worried about lead and my children?
Contact your pediatrician or local health department for advice. You can also get your water tested and ask Oak Lawn about lead service line replacement programs. The CDC website has information on lead exposure and children's health.