Lead Service Lines in Peoria, Illinois
Illinois American Water serves about 137,575 people in the Peoria area. Like many older water systems across the U.S., your neighborhood may have lead service lines—the pipes that connect the public water main to your home.
What we know about Peoria's lead lines
Illinois American Water has not yet completed a public inventory of lead service lines in its system. This doesn't mean your water contains lead—it means the utility is still in the process of identifying which homes are connected by lead pipes.
Lead service lines are a particular concern in older neighborhoods and homes built before the 1980s, when lead pipes were common in water infrastructure. The only way to know if your home has one is to either ask your utility directly or have a professional inspect the pipe where water enters your house.
What to do about potential exposure
If you're concerned about lead in your tap water, the safest first step is to contact Illinois American Water directly and ask:
- Does my address have a lead service line?
- Can they provide information from their ongoing inventory?
- What testing options are available to me?
You can also have your water tested. A certified lab can tell you whether lead is present at your tap. The EPA recommends testing especially if your home was built before 1986 or if you have young children or pregnant household members.
The federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act allocated funding to states for lead service line replacement. Illinois American Water may receive or already be using these funds, though specific replacement timelines are not yet public.
Reducing exposure while you wait
Even if a lead line connects to your home, you can take steps right now:
- Run cold water for 30–60 seconds before drinking or cooking (longer if the water has been sitting overnight).
- Use only cold water for drinking and cooking; hot water leaches lead more readily.
- Consider a point-of-use filter certified to remove lead while you investigate further.
Next steps for residents
- Contact your utility: Call Illinois American Water to ask about your address and the inventory timeline.
- Get your water tested: Request a test through the utility or hire a certified lab.
- Document your home's age: Homes built before 1986 are at higher risk.
- Check for updates: Revisit this page or the utility's website as the lead service line inventory becomes available.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
How do I know if my house in Peoria has a lead service line?
Illinois American Water is still completing its inventory, so the best way is to contact the utility directly and ask about your address. You can also have a plumber inspect the water line where it enters your home, or request a water test to check for lead at your tap.
Is Peoria water safe to drink right now?
Illinois American Water treats water to meet federal safety standards. However, if your home has a lead service line, some lead can dissolve into tap water. Running water before use and using cold water for drinking can reduce exposure while the utility completes its inventory and replacement plans.
When will Illinois American Water replace lead pipes?
The utility has not yet published a public replacement timeline. Federal funding is available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, but specific schedules depend on the utility's planning and resources. Contact the utility for updates on when replacements may reach your area.
What should I do if I'm worried about lead and my kids?
Talk to your pediatrician or the CDC about testing options and exposure reduction. In the meantime, run your tap water before drinking, use cold water for cooking, and contact Illinois American Water to learn whether your home has a lead line.