Kane County Reporter

Elgin, IL - Did you know that the City of Elgin has been proactively replacing the public portion of water service lines for the past 10 years? And, in 2019, the city developed a program for replacing private service lines. These efforts are part of Elgin's strong commitment to protecting residents from lead exposure. In addition, the city has partnered with 120Water to provide eligible residents with a certified water filter and at-home water testing kit. 

Elgin community members are invited to connect with city staff to learn more about its efforts by attending an open house. Two open house options are being offered so residents can select the time that works best for them. 

•    11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, January 30 

•    5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, February 8 

The event will be held at the Edward Schock Centre of Elgin in the Heritage Ballroom, 100 Symphony Way.

Staff will be available to answer resident questions about lead testing results, Elgin's lead service line replacement program, and water filter and water testing programs. In addition, staff can assist residents with applying to see if they are eligible for a free water testing and pitcher kit, made possible through the city's partnership with 120Water. 

Staff will also provide information on how to:

•    Submit a photo of their water service line for staff review.

•    Use the water pitcher filter kit.

•    Use the at-home water testing kit. 

The city recently kicked off the third year of a multi-year endeavor to remove all lead service lines from the city's residences and businesses. 

"The city is committed to successfully completing this large-scale project, which is estimated to cost about $135 million," says Water Director Nora Bertram. "We've allotted the majority of our American Rescue Plan Act funds to lead water service line replacement, have used funding from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and will continue to seek grant opportunities so we can keep this important work moving forward." 

Approximately 10,477 of Elgin's water service lines are assumed to be lead and 850 service lines are unknown. Currently, the rate of replacement is 870 service lines per year. The project will be complete in 2036.

The City of Elgin is committed to providing clean, safe and reliable drinking water to all Elgin residents. Lead is not present in Elgin’s source water (wells and river water), nor is lead in Elgin’s treated drinking water. Some homes and buildings, however, have water service lines, solder or fixtures made of lead, and lead can enter the drinking water through the corrosion of plumbing materials. 

For more information about the open houses or lead service line replacement program, email 311 or call 311 or 847-931-6001. 

Original source can be found here.