Lead Service Line Replacements

Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act

In August 2021, the Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act (414 ILCS 5/17.12) was signed into law.  Effective January 1, 2022, this act requires the replacement of all lead service lines in the State of Illinois.  When a service is repaired or upgraded, the entirety of the lead service line must be replaced.  Partial lead service line replacements are no longer permitted.  Galvanized service lines, that are downstream or have ever been downstream of the lead service line, must also be replaced.  In addition, community water suppliers must establish an inventory of service line materials in their jurisdiction and create a long-term plan for the replacement of lead services.

Lead Service Line Inventory

In accordance with 414 ILCS 5/17.12, the City of DeKalb Water Division is required to publish an inventory of water service materials in the distribution system.  A summary of the City of DeKalb’s Service Line Material Inventory is listed below and will be updated on an annual basis to reflect changes in the inventory based on service line replacements, modifications, and additions.  A complete listing of service line material for individual addresses may be found here.  Residents are asked to call the DeKalb Water Division immediately at 815-748-2050 if they believe the service line material listed does not accurately reflect the material found at their residence, or if their service line material is currently listed as “Unknown.”

Lead Service Line Replacement Plan

Per Illinois statute (415 ILCS 5/17.12), the City of DeKalb Water Division is required to submit an initial Lead Service Line Replacement Plan to the IEPA on April 15, 2024.  The plan, like the inventory, must be updated and resubmitted to the IEPA on April 15 of each year.  The City’s final plan is due on April 15, 2027.

At this time, the specifics of the City’s plan are still being developed.  To adhere to the statute, the plan, once published, will address the following areas:

• A schedule to accomplish the replacements, within a maximum of 15 years, as required by the statute.
• An analysis of the costs and financing options for replacing lead service lines.
• A plan for prioritizing high-risk facilities and high-risk areas.
• A map of the areas where lead service lines are found, or expected to be found, and the sequence for their inventory and removal.
• Measures to inform the public of the plan and provide opportunities for public comment.

Lead Service Replacement Updates

As of July 26, 2023, the City of DeKalb has replaced 72 lead service lines, at a cost of $536,621.  There was no direct cost to homeowners however, as funding for the replacements was provided through monies received through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and a portion of those funds were directed by the DeKalb City Council, to be used for lead service line replacements.  

The City has applied for a low interest loan through the IEPA, to secure additional funding for future replacements. It is anticipated that the City will receive notice of being placed on the IEPA’s Intended Funding List, sometime in 2024 or 2025, at which time the City will resume lead service line replacements.  At this time, the City’s Water Division is finalizing its Service Line Material Inventory, to confirm that all lead service lines within the community have been identified.  The City of DeKalb asks for your cooperation in helping Water Division personnel verify the service line material at your home or business.  Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the City of DeKalb Water Division at 815-748-2050 or email bfaivre@cityofdekalb.com.