The City of West Chicago has secured funding to replace approximately 225 water service lines that are known or suspected to contain lead. Construction is expected to begin in September 2026 and be completed by fall 2027.
A service line is the pipe that carries drinking water from the City’s water main into a home or business. The City’s latest inventory identifies approximately 800 service lines that may be affected by lead, representing about 12% of all service lines in West Chicago.
This project is part of the City’s long-term effort to protect public health and meet state requirements for removing lead service lines. It will also allow the City to complete replacements faster than the minimum schedule required by state law.
Construction Area
The map shows the area included in the upcoming construction project. Property owners whose service lines have been selected for replacement have received a letter directly from the City.
The outlined area shows the limits of the upcoming lead service line replacement project. Only properties notified directly by the City are included in this round of replacements.
The City has identified more affected service lines than can be replaced through this project. Known or suspected lead service lines outside the construction area will remain in the City’s inventory for future replacement.
The City will continue to seek funding for additional projects. Some service lines may also be replaced as part of other City water main, street, or infrastructure projects. Not receiving a letter for this project does not mean that a known or suspected lead service line has been removed from the City’s inventory.
Paying for the Project
For this phase, the City has secured and entered into a loan agreement for $3.29 million through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s Public Water Supply Loan Program. The loan has a 0% interest rate and a 30-year repayment period. The final amount borrowed will depend on the actual cost of construction, engineering, legal services, and required project reserves.
The City must repay the full amount borrowed because the loan does not include principal forgiveness.
The loan will be repaid through the City’s Water Fund, which is supported by water service charges. It will not be repaid through property taxes. Water customers throughout the community will share the cost over time, including those whose properties do not have lead service lines.
Like water mains, wells, and treatment facilities, lead service line replacements are part of maintaining the City’s full water system. Using a 0% interest loan and spreading payments over 30 years helps reduce the cost and allows current and future water customers to share in the investment.
Property owners included in the project will not receive an individual bill for the replacement of the public or private portion of their service line.
Temporary Construction Easements
Some replacement work will take place on private property. Before that work can begin, the City must receive permission from the property owner through a Temporary Construction Easement Agreement. The agreement gives the City permission to enter the property, apply for the required building permit on the owner’s behalf, and complete the service line replacement.
The list of properties identified for a replacement in this phase can be found on the Lead Service Line Replacement Project resource page. If your property is on this list but you haven’t yet heard from the City, please contact the Public Works Department at 630-293-2255 or [email protected].
The completed documents must be submitted by August 14, 2026 and can be submitted:
The agreement is required only for properties selected for this construction project.
Work Inside the Home or Building
The City’s project will replace the water service line leading into the home or building generally up to the water meter or first shut off valve inside the building. It will not replace plumbing pipes, faucets, or fixtures within the building.
Property owners may wish to have a licensed plumber inspect their interior plumbing. Based on the age and condition of the building, a plumber may recommend replacing older galvanized or lead pipes, faucets or fixtures that may contain lead, or plumbing that is damaged or corroded.
This interior plumbing work is optional, separate from the City’s project, and paid for by the property owner. A building permit is required to replace pipes or fixtures within the building. The property owner or contractor must obtain this permit separately from the permit the City will secure for the service line replacement.
Property owners considering interior plumbing work should speak with a licensed plumber and contact the City’s Community Development Department about permit requirements before work begins.
Learn More
Property owners and tenants can find project updates, frequently asked questions, the current service line inventory, replacement plans, maps, and required forms on the City’s Lead Service Line Replacement Project resource page.
The webpage can be translated into multiple languages and will continue to serve as the City’s main source for project information.
