SKOKIE Lead Service Line Inventory

The village of Skokie serves approximately 66,422 residents with water from surface sources. Like all US water systems, Skokie is required to maintain an inventory of lead service lines—the pipes that connect homes to the public water main—and share that information with you.

What we know about Skokie's lead service lines

Skokie's lead service line inventory is currently not publicly available on this directory. This does not necessarily mean the water system has not completed an inventory; it may mean the data has not yet been shared in a format we can display, or you may need to request it directly from the utility.

The EPA requires all water systems to complete a full lead service line inventory by October 2024 (with some extensions possible). Skokie is working to meet this deadline.

How to find Skokie's inventory data

Your best next step is to contact Skokie's water department directly. You can ask them:

• How many lead service lines are known to serve homes in Skokie?
• How many service lines are still of unknown material?
• Does Skokie have a plan to replace lead service lines?
• Are there any lead replacement rebates or assistance programs available to residents?

Why this matters

Lead service lines can leach lead into drinking water, especially when water is corrosive or stagnant. Even short-term exposure can be a health concern, particularly for young children and pregnant people. Knowing whether your home has a lead service line is the first step to protecting your family.

If you're concerned about lead in your water right now, you can also:

• Ask Skokie if your specific address has a known lead, galvanized, or unknown service line.
• Use a certified lab to test your tap water (contact your local health department for a list of labs).
• In the meantime, run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking, and use cold water for infant formula.

Next steps for residents

• Contact Skokie Water Department to request their lead service line inventory or ask about your address.
• Request your service line material — the utility should be able to tell you if your home is served by lead, galvanized, or non-lead pipes.
• Get your water tested if you'd like confirmation of lead levels at your tap; your local health department can recommend certified labs.
• Visit the EPA's lead in drinking water page for more guidance on testing and reducing exposure.

```json [ { "q": "Does Skokie have lead in the water?", "a": "Lead is not naturally present in most water sources. The concern is lead service lines—the pipes connecting homes to the main. Skokie is required to have an inventory of these pipes. Contact the water department to ask about your address specifically." }, { "q": "How do I know if my house has a lead service line?", "a": "Contact Skokie Water Department with your address. They can tell you the material of your service line based on their records. You can also look at the pipe where it enters your home (often in the basement or crawl space); lead is soft, dull gray, and can be scratched with a coin." }, { "q": "Is it safe to drink tap water in Skokie?", "a": "Skokie treats its water to meet EPA safety standards. However, if you have a lead service line, lead can leach into your water. If you're concerned, you can test your tap water or contact your doctor; the CDC has resources on lead exposure and health." }, { "q": "Does Skokie help pay to replace lead service lines?", "a": "Some water systems offer rebates or assistance programs. Contact Skokie Water Department directly to ask if they have a lead service line replacement program or if you qualify for any grants or low-interest loans."