Lead Service Lines at NORTHSHORE UNIVERSITY EVANSTON

What you need to know

NORTHSHORE UNIVERSITY EVANSTON serves about 6,300 people in Evanston, Illinois. Like many US water systems, it may have lead service lines—pipes that connect the water main to buildings. Lead can leach into water, especially in older systems or when water is corrosive.

This water system has not yet published a complete lead service line inventory. That means residents don't have clear information about whether their specific building is served by a lead line.

Why an inventory matters

Federal law now requires water systems to map their lead service lines and share that information publicly by October 2024. An inventory tells you:

• Whether your building definitely has a lead line, a non-lead line, or an unknown line
• How many lead lines exist in your area
• What the utility's replacement schedule is

Without an inventory, you're operating blind—and many homes built before 1986 are at higher risk.

What NORTHSHORE UNIVERSITY EVANSTON should do next

The utility should:

1. Conduct a full audit of service lines (records review + field work if needed) 2. Publish results online in plain language 3. Prioritize replacement or other protective steps 4. Share updates annually

What you can do now

Even without an inventory, you have options:

• Test your water. A simple lead test costs $20–50 and takes a few days. Contact your local health department or buy a kit online.
• Use a filter. Certified filters (look for NSF certification) can reduce lead if you're concerned. Boiling does not remove lead.
• Ask your landlord or building manager for records about your service line material or any past replacements.
• Contact the water utility (see below) and ask when they expect to publish their inventory and what your building's line is made of.

For health questions—especially if you have young children or are pregnant—talk to your doctor or call the CDC hotline at 1-800-CDC-INFO.

Next steps for residents

• Contact NORTHSHORE UNIVERSITY EVANSTON directly to ask about your property's service line status and when the inventory will be public
• Request a free or low-cost water test from your county health department or Illinois EPA
• If your line is confirmed lead, get on the replacement list and ask about low-interest loans or grants
• Check back on this site or the utility's website for the published inventory once it's released

How do I know if my house has a lead service line?

The best way is to check NORTHSHORE UNIVERSITY EVANSTON's lead service line inventory once it's published. You can also contact the utility directly with your address, or have the service line professionally inspected. A water test can tell you if lead is reaching your tap, though it won't tell you about the pipe itself.

Is lead in water dangerous?

Lead can harm brain development in young children and cause other health problems at high levels. There is no safe level. Talk to your doctor or call the CDC (1-800-CDC-INFO) for health advice specific to your situation.

What should I do if I think I have a lead service line?

First, test your water to see if lead is actually present. Then contact your water utility about replacement programs, rebates, or payment assistance. Run cold water from your tap for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking to flush out standing water.

When will NORTHSHORE UNIVERSITY EVANSTON publish its lead inventory?

Federal law requires it by October 2024. Contact the utility directly for their expected publication date and ask to be notified when it's available.