Illinois · statewide
Lead service line replacement in Illinois
Updated · Editorial team; not yet technically reviewed
Short answer
Illinois' Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act (415 ILCS 5/17.12), in effect since January 1, 2022, requires every community water supply to inventory its service lines, plan replacement of all lead lines, notify occupants before work, and avoid partial replacements. Timelines run from 2027 and depend on system size: about 2042 for the smallest systems, up to 2077 for Chicago.
What Illinois requires or changes
The Act took effect January 1, 2022 and created Section 17.12 of the Environmental Protection Act, requiring every community water supply to keep a service line inventory and a lead service line replacement plan. [1]
Water supplies must notify occupants before work on water mains or lead service lines and request access before replacing lead lines. [1]
Partial lead service line replacements are prohibited except as the Act authorizes. [1]
Replacement timelines start in 2027 and scale with the number of lead lines: about 2042 for systems with fewer than 1,200, up to 2077 for systems with more than 99,999, such as Chicago (news report). [2]
State law and the federal rule
The federal Lead and Copper Rule Improvements set their own 10-year replacement pace starting in 2027. Where the federal rule is stricter, it governs, so the longest Illinois timelines may shorten. Treat the dates above as the state baseline and ask your utility for its actual schedule.
What an Illinois homeowner can do
- Look up your address in your water supplier's service line inventory.
- Watch for the notice before main or line work, and answer the access request; replacement needs entry to the house.
- Ask whether the supplier covers your side, and avoid paying for a private partial job.
- See lead lines in Chicago for the largest program in the state.
Further reading: How to tell what your pipes are made of.
Common questions
When did Illinois' lead line law take effect?
January 1, 2022, under Public Act 102-0613.
How long do Illinois utilities have to replace lead lines?
It depends on how many they have: about 2042 for the smallest systems, up to 2077 for Chicago, with work starting in 2027.
Will an Illinois utility notify me before replacing my lead line?
Yes. The Act requires notice before work on mains or lead lines and a request for access to the building.
Are partial lead line replacements allowed in Illinois?
No, except in limited cases the Act authorizes.
Does the federal lead rule change Illinois deadlines?
Where the federal rule is stricter, its faster schedule applies, so some Illinois timelines may shorten.
Why does my Illinois utility need to enter my house?
A full replacement connects the new line inside the building, usually at the meter or main shutoff.
Where is the Illinois lead law in the statutes?
Section 17.12 of the Environmental Protection Act, 415 ILCS 5/17.12.
Can Illinois EPA extend a utility's deadline?
Yes. The Act lets Illinois EPA grant a water supply an extension of its replacement timeline.
What should Illinois renters do about a lead line?
Tell the owner about any notice, and flush and filter drinking water until it's replaced.
Does Illinois' Act cover interior plumbing?
It covers service lines; interior pipes and fixtures are separate.
Water Line Repair across Illinois
- Water Line Repair in ChicagoHow lead water service line replacement works in Chicago: free and fee-waived city programs, who qualifies, what state law requires, and what the job involves.
- Water Line Repair: the full guideSigns the water service line from the meter to your house is leaking, who owns it, repair vs. replacement, lead lines, and trenchless options.
- Plumbing in IllinoisIllinois's plumbing code, licensing, climate and the cities we cover.
The same service in other states
- Lead and galvanized service line replacement in New JerseyNew Jersey's lead service line law: every lead and galvanized line replaced by July 2031 at a 10% yearly average, no partial replacements, and what owners should do.
- Lead service line replacement in MichiganMichigan's Lead and Copper Rule: water systems replace lead lines at 5% a year over 20 years, replace the full line at their expense, and no partial replacements.
Sources (2)
- Illinois General Assembly, 415 ILCS 5/17.12 · checked 2026-10-03
- WTTW News · checked 2026-10-03