Lead Service Lines in Libertyville, Illinois
What you need to know
Libertyville serves approximately 20,500 people and draws water from surface sources. Like many older communities, Libertyville may have lead service lines—the pipes that connect the water main in the street to homes built before lead was phased out in 1986.
Current status: Libertyville has not yet completed a public lead service line inventory. This means the utility does not yet have a documented count of how many lead lines serve the community.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are the single largest source of lead in drinking water. Even small amounts of lead can affect children's brain development. If your home was built before 1986 and is connected to a lead service line, you may be exposed when water sits in the pipes—especially first thing in the morning or after several hours without use.
What Libertyville is doing
All water utilities in Illinois are required to inventory their lead service lines and share that information with the public. Libertyville is working toward completing this inventory, though a timeline has not yet been made public.
In the meantime, utilities are required to provide information about lead risks and testing. You can:
- Request a lead service line inspection from Libertyville to find out if your home has one
- Have your water tested for lead (the utility can advise on low-cost or free testing options)
- Flush your tap before drinking or cooking: run cold water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes until the water is noticeably colder, which pushes out stagnant water from the service line
Next steps for residents
- Contact Libertyville Water Utility directly to ask about your service line and free testing options
- Check your property deed or ask during your next water bill inquiry about when your home was built
- Run the tap each morning before drinking to reduce lead exposure
- Talk to your pediatrician if you have young children; they can order a blood lead test
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Libertyville have lead service lines?
Libertyville has not yet completed a public inventory, so the exact number is unknown. However, because the community was built partly before 1986 (when lead was phased out), lead service lines may be present. Contact the utility to find out if your home has one.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
You can request an inspection from Libertyville Water Utility. You can also check your property deed for construction date—homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead lines. Visual inspection (digging near your meter) and water testing can also help.
Is Libertyville tap water safe to drink?
Libertyville treats its water to minimize lead release. However, if your home has a lead service line, lead can leach into water inside your home. Running your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking helps reduce exposure.
What should I do if I'm worried about lead in my family's water?
Have your water tested for lead (Libertyville can provide testing information), flush your tap before drinking, and talk to your pediatrician about a blood lead test for children. The CDC has guidance on reducing lead exposure at home.