Elgin will continue replacing service lines each year. To view the City's current service line replacement plan, use the Map Utility on this page to find the plans for your address.

If a resident chooses to replace the private portion of their service line, the cost typically ranges from $7,000 to $9,000. When a resident replaces their private portion, the City will replace the public portion at no cost to the homeowner.

During city funded projects or emergency repairs, the city will replace the entire line at no cost to the property owner. If a resident chooses to replace the private portion of the service line they will pay for that and the city will replace public portion at no-cost.

If your home is in a planned LSLR project replacement area, talk to your building owner about getting the lines replaced.

The property owner must sign the Temporary Construction Easement form. Renters will be affected on the day of the replacement and will experience a temporary loss of water service for part of that day.

Call 311 to verify whether your service line is known or unknown. If it is unknown, staff will be scheduled to inspect the line.

Use the Scratch and Magnet Test:

Scratch Test:

· Lead: Shiny and silver when scratched.

· Copper: Reddish-brown, like a penny.

· Galvanized Steel: Dull gray when scratched.

· Brass: Gold in color.

Magnet Test: Magnets will stick to galvanized steel pipes but will not stick to lead, copper, or brass pipes.

You can purchase lead testing kits at most hardware stores or through online vendors. Otherwise, contact a certified lab for testing by checking ElginIL.gov/lead.

Homes built before 1988 are more likely to have lead service lines as lead was a common material used for plumbing.

The city plans lead service line replacements on an annual basis, and unfortunately, residents are unable to sign up. Residents will be notified once their home is included in the plan for service line replacement.

You can apply online at (ElginlL.gov/lead) to receive a free water pitcher with a lead-reducing filter and for a lead testing kit.

Call the 311 Contact Center at 311 or 847-931-6001. You may also email elgin311@ElginlL.gov or use the city's online customer service portal.

Lead is not present in Elgin’s source water (wells and river water), nor is lead in Elgin’s treated drinking water. However, lead can enter drinking water when plumbing materials that contain lead corrode or wear away.

Helpful steps

1. Run your water for 5 minutes before using it for drinking or cooking.
2. Use cold water for cooking
3. Do not boil water to remove lead.
4. Test your water for lead
5. Use a water pitcher with a certified lead-reducing filter.