Lead Service Lines in IL AMERICAN-WEST SUBURBAN Water System
IL AMERICAN-WEST SUBURBAN serves about 74,000 people across the Chicago suburbs. Like all US water systems, it is required by federal law to test for lead and maintain an inventory of lead service lines—the pipes that connect homes to the main water line.
What we know about your water system
This utility has not yet published its lead service line inventory data publicly. That means we don't have confirmed counts of how many lead pipes serve this area, or what percentage of homes may be affected.
This is not unusual. Many water systems across the country are still completing their inventories or working through the process of making that information available to residents. Federal rules require systems to maintain this data, but publication timelines vary.
What you should do
Contact your water utility directly. They have the information you need, even if it's not posted online yet. Call or email IL AMERICAN-WEST SUBURBAN and ask:
- Do they have a lead service line inventory completed?
- How many lead lines are known to serve this area?
- What is their timeline for replacement or public notice?
- Can they tell you whether your specific address has a lead service line?
Many utilities can answer the last question—about your property—even before full data is published. Getting that answer is your first practical step.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are a genuine health concern, especially for young children and pregnant people. Water sitting in a lead pipe can leach lead into your home's tap water. However, you have concrete options: testing your water, using a certified filter, or replacing the service line (sometimes with utility assistance or grants).
The federal government is funding lead line replacements nationwide through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Your utility may have access to grants or low-interest loans for this work, so asking them about those programs is worth your time.
Next steps for residents
- Call or email your water utility with the questions listed above.
- Ask about water testing, which is often free or low-cost.
- Ask about lead line replacement programs and any available funding.
- Visit the EPA's lead and copper rule page for general guidance while you wait for your utility's response.
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 has a lead service line?
Contact your water utility and ask them to check your address in their lead service line inventory. They may be able to tell you right away. You can also visually inspect the pipe where it enters your home—lead is soft, gray, and dents when you scratch it with a key, but this isn't foolproof.
Is it dangerous to drink water from a lead pipe?
Lead can leach into water from old pipes and pose a health risk, especially for children under 6 and pregnant people. The CDC recommends testing your water and using a certified lead filter if you're concerned. Talk to your doctor about your specific situation.
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line?
Replacement typically costs $3,000–$25,000 depending on your location and how deep the pipe is buried. Many utilities now offer cost-sharing programs, grants, or low-interest loans through federal infrastructure funding. Ask your water utility about these options.
When will my water utility finish its lead inventory?
Federal rules set deadlines for inventories, but completion dates vary by system. Call your utility to ask for their timeline and whether data is available yet for your area.