City of Joliet, IL
Home MenuLead Service Line Information
Lead, a metal found in natural deposits, was previously used in household plumbing materials and water service lines. The greatest exposure to lead is swallowing or breathing in lead paint chips and dust. However, lead in drinking water can also cause a variety of adverse health effects. Lead is not found in the City's source water or distribution system but can enter tap water through corrosion of plumbing materials. Lead was no longer used as a water service material in Joliet after the late 1940s but plumbing fixtures manufactured prior to 2014 still contained some levels of lead. The City of Joliet adds polyphosphates to the drinking water to minimize corrosion of the pipes which reduces residents' risk of exposure to lead via drinking water. Learn more about lead in water and what the City is doing about it by reviewing these Frequently asked Questions (FAQ's):
LEAD SERVICE LINE INVENTORY
The City is required by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) to complete an inventory of lead water services lines. The City's most recently submitted inventory to the IEPA is available here.
The City also maintains an Interactive Map that provides water service material by address that is updated throughout the inventory process.
If the water service material for your property is identified as unknown for the private side, please call the city at 815-724-4220 to schedule a free inspection appointment.
The lead water service inventory will target homes constructed prior to the 1940s. These homes are targeted because Joliet banned the use of lead as a material for water services in the mid 1940s. Homes that are identified as having lead water service lines will qualify for free water testing. Please review the Lead Water Service Inventory Program Brochure below for more information.
Lead Water Service Inventory Program Brochure (English)
Lead Water Service Inventory Program Brochure (Spanish)
If your home is determined to have a lead water service line, you will be eligible for free water testing to determine lead levels and replacement of the service line.
Lockport Township IL 1978100 (Fairmont) Lead Inventory
LEAD SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT
The City is required by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) to prepare and submit a lead service line replacement plan annually. The City's most recently submitted plan to the IEPA is available here.
The City of Joliet has proactively been replacing lead water service lines since 2019. The City offers a full water service line replacement program at no cost to property owners whose lead water service line is disturbed during a leak repair or if water testing determines a home with a lead water service line has lead levels greater than regulatory limits. If a water service line is determined to be lead, but is not disturbed and water testing does not indicate high lead levels, the service line will be replaced as part of the City's water main rehabilitation program at no cost to the homeowner. Please review the Lead Water Service Line Replacement Program Brochure below for more information.
Lead Water Service Replacement Program Brochure (English)
Lead Water Service Replacement Program Brochure (Spanish)
The City will provide Point of Use Pitchers at no cost to homes that have the potential for elevated lead levels due to the following:
- Leak Repair: During an emergency leak repair it was discovered that you have a lead service line.
- Meter Replacement: During a meter replacement it was discovered that you have a lead service line.
- Elevated Test Results: Your residence was recently tested by the Public Utilities Department and the test results were over the regulatory guideline of 15 ppb.
- Lead Service Line Replacement: Your lead water service line was replaced.
Please review the Point of Use Pitcher Brochure below for more information.