Lead Service Lines in IL AMERICAN-HOMER TOWNSHIP

What you need to know

IL AMERICAN-HOMER TOWNSHIP serves about 24,543 people in Illinois. The water system is required by federal law to maintain an inventory of lead service lines—the pipes that connect the main water line in the street to individual homes.

As of now, this water system has not yet completed its lead service line inventory. That means the utility has not published a full count of how many lead pipes exist in its service area, or where they are located.

Why this matters

Lead service lines are the most common source of lead in residential drinking water. Even new homes can have lead pipes if they were installed decades ago—building codes didn't ban lead for water supply lines until 1986. If your home was built before the 1990s, there's a real possibility your connection uses lead.

The good news: lead in water is preventable through treatment and replacement. But you need to know whether you're at risk.

What's happening now

Your water system is still in the early stages of identifying its lead pipes. Federal rules require all water utilities to complete their inventories by specific deadlines. Until this work is done, neither you nor the utility has a clear picture of the problem's scale in your area.

What you can do right now

Contact your water utility directly. Ask three things:

1. Do I have a lead service line? The utility can often tell you based on your address, even if the full inventory isn't public yet. They may have partial records or historical plumbing data. 2. What's the timeline? When does your utility plan to finish the inventory and publish results? 3. What water quality testing do you recommend? Many utilities offer free or low-cost testing kits.

If you're concerned about your family's water—especially if you have young children or pregnant household members—you can also get your water tested independently through a certified lab. The EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline can direct you to testing resources in Illinois.

Next steps for residents

• Call or visit your water utility's website to ask about your property's lead service line status.
• Request a free water quality test if available through your utility.
• If testing shows lead, ask about free or subsidized replacement programs—many exist in Illinois.
• Document your address and service line age when you contact the utility; this speeds up the lookup process.

```json [ { "q": "How do I know if I have a lead service line?", "a": "Your water utility can often tell you based on your address and historical records. Call them directly with your service address. If they're unsure, you can have a plumber inspect the pipe where it enters your home, or get your water tested for lead." }, { "q": "Is lead in water dangerous?", "a": "Lead exposure is a serious health concern, especially for children and pregnant people. For health guidance specific to your situation, talk to your pediatrician or contact the CDC's lead hotline. Water treatment and pipe replacement are effective solutions." }, { "q": "What should I do if my water tests high for lead?", "a": "First, use bottled water for drinking and cooking until you've addressed the issue. Contact your utility about replacement programs or rebates. Many utilities offer free or reduced-cost lead pipe replacement. A licensed plumber can also advise on interim solutions like water filters." }, { "q": "How long does lead service line replacement take?", "a": "A single service line replacement usually takes one to three days. But if many homes need work, your utility may prioritize by risk level (age of home, presence of children) and available funding. Ask your utility about their replacement timeline and whether you qualify for assistance." } ]